Sleep Dentistry

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Wake up to a Beautiful Smile!

Sedation dentistry is the term used to describe sedating a patient while undergoing dental treatment. Various medicines are used to either simply relax a patient, move a patient to an almost unconscious state or make them totally unconscious.

The levels of sedation used include:

Minimal sedation -- you are awake but relaxed.
Moderate sedation (formerly called "conscious sedation") -- You may slur your words when speaking and not remember much of the procedure.
Deep sedation -- you are on the edge of consciousness but can still be awakened.
General anesthesia -- you are completely unconscious.

Who Benefits the Most from Sleep Dentistry?

Sedation is most appropriate for people with a real fear or anxiety that is preventing them from going to the dentist. Sedation dentistry may also be appropriate for people who:

have a low pain threshold
can't sit still in the dentist's chair
have very sensitive teeth
need a large amount of dental work completed

How Safe Is Sedation Dentistry?

It is safe when administered by experienced nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist. However, certain people, such as those who are obese or who have obstructive sleep apnea, should talk to their doctor before having sedation. That's because they are more likely to develop complications from the anesthesia. The following actions will be taken before the procedure to ensure absolute saftey:

Before the procedure, the nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist will review your medical history to determine whether you are an appropriate candidate for sedation and ask about any medications you're currently taking.
You will only be given an appropraite dose of the sedative for your age and health, recommended by the FDA.
You will receive a form detailing the risks of the procedure. It will be reviewed carefully with you by the treating nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist.
The nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist will monitor your vital signs during the procedure. Artificial ventilation and drugs that reverse the effects of sedation on hand in case you need them.