How Does Sleep Dentistry Work? An In-Depth Guide
Introduction to Sleep Dentistry
It is widely considered that going to the dentist is a frustrating and potentially stressful event for various individuals. Some patients may avoid necessary treatment due to fears of dental procedures, a sensitive gag reflex, or for other reasons requiring extensive dental treatment. What is Sleep Dentistry? often referred to as sedation dentistry is the solution to these problems given that patients can be treated in a relaxed state. In this detailed guide, you will learn how sleep dentistry is being practiced, the various forms of sedation, and the advantages.
Discover how sleep dentistry works and its benefits for anxious patients or those undergoing complex dental procedures. Learn about sedation types and the Benefits of Sleep Dentistry.
What is Sleep Dentistry?
What is Sleep Dentistry?Sleep dentistry is the process through which patients are administered some drugs that will make it easier for them to sleep during any dental treatment. The anesthetic agents employed in sleep dentistry can be ingested, inhaled, or injected; this depends on the patient’s situation or the task at hand. The patient is normally relaxed throughout the procedure as under sedation meaning that the dentist can work with minimal distress to the patient.
Difference Between Sedation and General Anesthesia
Before proceeding further, it should be understood that sleep dentistry is not the same as general anesthesia. With general anesthesia, the patient becomes unconscious and is not able to feel any stimulus in the body. Sedation, on the other hand, will have the patient alert, able to follow commands but still feel sleepy and will have little recall of the procedure.
Types of Sedation in Dentistry
Dentists provide different tiers of sedation to ensure that everyone gets the right amount based on their tolerance, as well as the of the procedure that is to be done. The main types of sedation used in sleep dentistry include:
Minimal Sedation (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen and delivered through a mask is the simplest form of sedation referred to as “laughing gas”. Other types of anesthesia make the patient become unconscious but in this type of anesthesia patients are made to relax but not unconscious. One advantage of nitrous oxide is that it wears off rather quickly, and patients are able to drive themselves home after their procedure.
Moderate Sedation (Oral Sedation)
Moderate sedation is often administered orally, and it means the patient takes a pill before coming to the dentist appointment. This level of sedation ensures the patient is even more relaxed than in the previous level and he or she may feel drowsy or even doze off during the procedure. But most can be easily woken up with the help of a shake of the shoulder.
Deep Sedation
Deep sedation is given through IV and involves the patient being in a state between awake and being unconscious. Patients who are deeply sedated cannot be asked to follow commands and may need help in terms of ventilation support. This type of anesthesia is used more frequently in operations that take longer to perform or in patients who are extremely anxious.
General Anesthesia
In some circumstances, for example, when treating a patient with a certain medical condition, or when carrying out certain dental procedures, general anesthesia might be required. During general anesthetic, the patient is in a state of unconsciousness and therefore has no sensation of pain or response to stimuli. This level of sedation needs to be closely supervised by a qualified anesthesiologist.
The Sleep Dentistry Process
Initial Consultation and Evaluation
It is important for any patient who wants to undertake sleep dentistry to have a consultation with the dentist. At this consultation, the dentist will inquire about the patient’s medical history, listen to the patient’s concerns and his/her level of anxiety and assess the patient to decide on which type of sedation is required.
Preparing for Your Sedation Appointment
The patient will be advised on how to Prepare for Sleep Dentistry, whereby they will be required to abstain from food and drink for a certain number of hours before the procedure, arrange how to get to the dentist’s office and from there, as well as relate the dentist to any other medication they take.
Administration of Sedation
On the day of the procedure, the dentist will give the chosen form of sedation to the patient so that she or he will be able to withstand the dental procedure comfortably. The dentist observes the patient through the procedure to ensure the patient does not develop any complications like low blood pressure.
Monitoring During the Procedure
During the dental treatment the patient’s state of health and level of consciousness will be supervised all the time. The dental team will also regulate the intensity of the sedation depending on the reaction of the patient, both in terms of comfort and other medical parameters.
Post-Procedure Recovery and Care
The patients will be observed after the procedure to ensure the sedative has worn off before going home. They will be told what they should not eat and what to do in case of severe pain among other instructions to be followed after the procedure. A moderate or deep sedation patient will not be allowed to go home alone or drive, therefore will need an individual to accompany him or her home until the drug effects are out of the system.
Benefits of Sleep Dentistry
Children’s Sleep Dentistry offers numerous advantages for patients who experience dental anxiety or require extensive dental work:
Anxiety and Fear Reduction
One of the primary benefits of sleep dentistry is its ability to alleviate dental anxiety and fear. Sedation assists patients to achieve a state of calmness and this makes patients adopt a relaxed position during their visit to the dentist thus making the visit less of a despair for them.
Facilitates Complex
Sleep dentistry is useful where the dentist needs to perform extensive or repeated procedures because the patient is likely to feel discomfort or have anxiety. This may mean fewer sessions being required to provide the needed treatments and procedures.
Enhances Patient Comfort
Sedation dentistry makes dental treatments more comfortable because patients complain less during implementation. The patients do not suffer from pains or discomfort and they may not remember the experience of the treatment at all.
Suitable for Special Needs Patients
Especially for patients with disease or injuries affecting their muscles or brain, or behavioral problems that make it hard for the patient to sit still or cooperate with treatment, sleep dentistry can be very helpful.
Safety of Sleep Dentistry
Is sleep dentistry safe? It is very important that the sleep dentistry is done by a professional dentist so it is legal, safe, and efficient.
Qualifications of Dental Practitioners
Any dentist that provides sleep dentistry has to be fully equipped to provide sedation and hold the appropriate licenses to do so. Patients must ensure that the dentist they are consulting has the right experience concerning sedation dentistry.
Safety Protocols and Monitoring
Sleep dentistry services offered in dental offices on the same day are adequately safe as practitioners always check on the biological status of the patient; also, emergency tools are within reach, and the dentist and the other members of the dental team have to undertake training on the possible emergencies that may arise.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
As a general note, there are possible complications and adverse effects connected with sedation dentistry that include an allergic reaction, sickness, or trouble breathing. Patients should discuss any concerns or pre-existing medical conditions with their dentist before undergoing sedation.
Candidates for Sleep Dentistry
Sleep dentistry can be an excellent option for various types of patients, including:
- Patients with Severe Dental Anxiety
Patients who are highly anxious about receiving dental treatment will find comfort and solace from sedation dentistry.
- Individuals Requiring Extensive Dental Work
Those who have to undertake extensive or several dental procedures may prefer sleep dentistry to be administered on them.
- Patients with Low Pain Tolerance
Patients who cannot easily endure some form of pain or discomfort during dental procedures could benefit immensely from sedation dentistry.
- Children and Special Needs Patients
Sleep dentistry can be used in treatment of children or any person who may not cooperate while undergoing a normal dental treatment session.
Contact Crystalline Dental
If you have any questions about sleep dentistry or would like to set up a consultation with the qualified professionals at Crystalline Dental, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Schedule an Appointment
To book an appointment or discuss your dental needs, call us at +1 (905) 303-0700 or fill out our online contact form.
Location and Hours
Crystalline Dental can be easily accessed at 1850 Major MacKenzie Dr W Unit 1-2, Maple Ontario, L6A 4R9, Canada. Our office hours are: Monday: 9am-4pm Tuesday: 8am-7pm Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 9am-5pm Friday: 9am-4pm Saturday: 9am-5pm Sunday: Closed
Meet Our Dental Team
Our skilled and compassionate dental team is dedicated to providing the highest quality care in a comfortable and relaxing environment. Led by Dr. Milad Karamlou, Dr. Fred Wauchope, and Dr. Robert Pacione, our team is here to help you achieve optimal oral health and a beautiful smile.