Do you ever dread going to the dentist? If you have a fear of needles or the sound of the drill, you’re not alone. In fact, studies have shown that up to 15% of Australians avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear. But what if there was a way to get dental work done without having to be awake for it? Sleep dentistry, also known as sedation dentistry, is a growing field that offers just that. In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about sleep dentistry—from how it works to who can benefit from it. We will also dispel some common myths about sedation dentistry so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for you.
What is sleep dentistry?
Sleep dentistry is a field of dentistry that focuses on providing dental care to patients who are asleep. It is also known as sedation dentistry or IV sedation dentistry. Sleep dentists use different methods to help their patients relax and sleep through their dental procedures.
Some of the most common methods of sleep dentistry include oral sedation, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), and intravenous (IV) sedation. Oral sedation is taken by mouth in pill form and helps to relax. Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask and also helps to relax patients. IV sedation is given through a vein in the arm and helps to achieve a deep level of relaxation. Patients who receive IV sedation may not be completely asleep but will not be aware of what is happening around them.
Sleep dentists work closely with anesthesiologists to ensure that their patients are safe and comfortable during their dental procedures. They also take extra measures to ensure that the patient’s airway is protected while they are asleep.
If you think you might need sleep dentistry, talk to your dentist about your options. They will be able to let you know if you are a good candidate for sleep dentistry and which method would be best for you.
What are the benefits of sleep dentistry?
There are many benefits of sleep dentistry, including:
• Relief from anxiety and fear: Many people feel anxious or fearful about going to the dentist. Sleep dentistry can help alleviate these feelings by providing a calm and relaxed environment.
• Reduced pain: Sleep dentistry can help reduce pain during dental procedures. This is because you will be less aware of what is happening and will not be able to feel any pain.
• Faster recovery: Sleep dentistry can help you recover from dental procedures more quickly. This is because you will not be as tense and your body will not have to work as hard to heal itself.
What are the different sedation levels?
There are four different levels of sedation that can be used in sleep dentistry:
1. Minimal sedation – This is when the patient is awake and alert, but relaxed. This can be achieved with nitrous oxide (laughing gas).
2. Moderate sedation – This is when the patient is drowsy and may even fall asleep, but can be easily aroused. Oral conscious sedation or IV sedation may be used to achieve this level of sedation.
3. Deep sedation – This is when the patient is barely responsive and may not be able to be aroused. General anesthesia may be used to achieve deep sedation.
4. 4. Ultrasonic waves – a new technology that uses sound waves to send patients into a state of deep relaxation without any side effects like you would experience from general anesthesia.
If you suffer from dental phobia or if there’s anything else holding you back from visiting a dentist, sleep dentistry is the best option for you.
At Royal Dental Care, we are well-known in Sydney for advanced sleep dentistry. Book your Free Consult here.
