Sedation dentistry is another name for sleep dentistry. It helps keep you calm during dental procedures. Sedation dentistry can relax you as your dentist works on your gums and teeth. If you want to know more about sleep dentistry, here are some FAQs and the answers for each.
Twilight sedation and conscious sedation are other terms for sleep dentistry. An anesthetist handles the anesthetic drugs. The anesthetics for sedation dentistry are in smaller doses. This is to ensure the health of the patient. These drugs often cause memory loss for a short while. The effects make it easier for patients to adjust after the procedure.
Sedation is for patients with difficulty, phobia, or anxiety in staying in a dental treatment chair. It is also for patients with difficulty coping with the results of the dental procedure. Four types of sedation are available for patients. These are oral sedation (using tablets), twilight conscious sedation (intravenous), general anesthetic, and laughing gas (nitrous oxide). Laughing gas is capable of relaxing patients while relieving pain and anxiety.
Dentists can perform gum treatments, advanced surgical treatments, and extractions. Implants, bridges, crowns, and fillings are also smoother with sedation. Giving sedatives to a patient depends on the patient’s medical history. It also depends on the type of treatment the patient has to get.
An anesthetist gives the anesthetic. There is often a nurse accompanying the anesthetist to check the patient throughout the treatment or procedure. This reduces the risk of complications. The patient needs to swallow and cough while under intravenous anesthesia. The anesthetist makes sure of this. Twilight sedation is a better option than general anesthesia.
Sleep dentistry enables the patient to go through longer treatment periods. Those who have severe anxiety will have little or no memory of the treatment at all. Patients become calm and relaxed throughout the treatment. This allows the dentist to perform the procedure without interruption.
Most people can have sedation before their dental procedures. Patients from 16-85 years of age can go through sedation. Of course, the dentist must consider the general health of the patient first. Anxious patients who need dental treatments must be under sedation for each appointment. They will not be awake during the procedure and will have almost no memory of it. Patients with a strong gag reflex or a strong phobia for dental treatments are ideal for sleep dentistry.
Most patients do not feel anything during the procedure. There is often little discomfort. The patient will remain comfortable and relaxed. Patients often have no memory of the procedure.
The dose the patient receives affects how long the effects of the sedative last. It also impacts how quickly the body can recover and how long the treatment will be. The patient will experience drowsiness during sedation and hours after the procedure. That is why it is important to have someone drive the patient to and from the clinic. The patient must not operate machinery, drive, or drink alcohol after the treatment.
Patients who suffer from dental anxiety or phobia are good candidates for sedation dentistry. These patients have a difficult time going to the clinic for treatments. With sedation dentistry, these patients can get the dental help that they need. The following patients must also see a dentist for sedation dentistry:
A healthcare professional will handle the anesthesia. The doses are small. This will ensure the patient’s health. The memory loss will be short. The short-term effects will help maintain the patient’s health. It will also make it easier for the patient to adjust after the treatment.
Many people suffer from anxiety when it comes to dental procedures. This makes them incapable of seeking proper dental care. Sedation can help you get proper dental treatments. This allows you to have a better quality of life. An appointment with your dentist can help answer more of your questions about sleep dentistry.
Request an appointment here: https://www.santamonicadental.com or call Santa Monica LiveWell Dentistry at (310) 907-7780 for an appointment in our Santa Monica office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Sedation Dentist in Santa Monica, CA.
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