Sleep Dentistry
Sleep Dentistry at Gisborne, Macedon & Riddells Creek
If you suffer from dental anxiety or fear, or if you need extensive dental treatment, sleep dentistry can help. Modern dentistry has come a long way and many procedures can be done with little to no pain and quicker than in the past. But our staff at The Dental House at Gisborne understands that everyone is different and we are ready to help patients that need it.
Sleep Dentistry Services
Sleep dentistry refers to treatments that help patients relax. Medication is administered before or during your treatment, and the amount used is customized for you. Today’s medications are safe and we use only the amount required to provide you with a comfortable and positive dental experience.
Sleep Dentistry Services
Sleep dentistry refers to treatments that help patients relax. Medication is administered before or during your treatment, and the amount used is customized for you. Today’s medications are safe and we use only the amount required to provide you with a comfortable and positive dental experience.
Sleep Dentistry or Sedation Dentistry?
Sleep dentistry and sedation dentistry both offer low-stress dental experiences and can help patients with dental anxiety and fear. But they are slightly different and the one you use will depend upon your procedure and your current level of health.
Sedation Dentistry is used to sedate or relax the patient with medications that will cause a deep drowsiness. While not quite asleep, sedated patients rarely remember the treatment, which adds to the anxiety reducing benefits.
Sleep Dentistry is the term for when general anesthesia is used to put the patient fully to sleep. This treatment is best for patients who need a longer or more complicated procedure or for a few who have extreme anxiety. While it helps during certain treatments like wisdom tooth removal, it may not be a good idea during cosmetic surgery when the dentists might ask for feedback. It is also not recommended for patients with sleep apnea. A full health evaluation, a dental exam, and some communication with your dentist will help determine if this solution is right for you.
Sedation Dentistry vs Sleep Dentistry
Sleep dentistry and sedation dentistry both offer low-stress dental experiences and can help patients with dental anxiety and fear. But they are slightly different and the one you use will depend upon your procedure and your current level of health.
Sedation Dentistry is used to sedate or relax the patient with medications that will cause a deep drowsiness. While not quite asleep, sedated patients rarely remember the treatment, which adds to the anxiety reducing benefits.
Sleep Dentistry is the term for when general anesthesia is used to put the patient fully to sleep. This treatment is best for patients who need a longer or more complicated procedure or for a few who have extreme anxiety. While it helps during certain treatments like wisdom tooth removal, it may not be a good idea during cosmetic surgery when the dentists might ask for feedback. It is also not recommended for patients with sleep apnea. A full health evaluation, a dental exam, and some communication with your dentist will help determine if this solution is right for you.
The Many Methods of Sleep Dentistry
There are a variety of medications used for sleep dentistry, and the one chosen for you will depend upon a number of factors including your health status and planned procedure. The following are the types of sleep dentistry we use at The Dental House at Gisborne, Macedon & Riddells Creek:
Nitrous Oxide
is also known as laughing gas because of the way it makes the patient feel. It is a mild gas mixed with oxygen and administered through a plastic breathing mask that is gently placed over the nose of the patient. The gas will take effect immediately and we use only the amount needed to help you feel comfortable and relaxed during your procedure. The effects of nitrous oxide subside quickly after the mask is removed, often leaving no side effects. Quite often, patients can drive themselves home after the treatment.
Oral Medications
These medications may be administered through pills or liquids. Medications such as lorazepam will be administered before the treatment, allowing the patient to feel deeply calm and relaxed when the dentist begins working.
IV Sedation and General Anesthesia
This is the heaviest for of sedation and allows the patient to be asleep during the treatment. Mainly used for extensive oral surgery or for patients with extreme phobias, this form of sleep dentistry is given with the assistance of a professional anesthesiologist and often in a clinic or hospital setting.
The Delivery of Medication
Various methods are used to induce sleep dentistry, depending on the type of medication is administered. Patients who need oral medications will be provided with a prescription ahead of time with instructions on when to take it, which is often about one hour before the planned treatment. Nitrous oxide is administered during the dental procedure and monitored during the treatment. General anesthesia is administered just before the treatment through an IV drip, or intravenous drip. Patients will be instructed to have transportation arrangements to go home as the effects may linger for some time after the procedure.
The Benefits of Sleep Dentistry
The benefits of sleep dentistry are the suppression of pain and overall ability to relax during a dental treatment. It is particularly useful for patients with extreme anxiety and phobia, and will allow them to remain calm and quiet as the dentist works, which can help the treatment move along quicker. In many cases, extensive or multiple dental treatments may be done in just one visit, saving time for both patients and the dentist, and is also more cost-effective as the patient need not return for multiple visits. Sleep dentistry is most useful in the following situations:
Fear of phobias including those of pain, needles, and dentists
Patients who have had a negative dental experience in the past
General anxiety disorder
Low pain threshold
Resistance to local anesthesia
Strong gag reflex
Jaw problems that may cause pain during dental treatment
Extensive dental work
Exposed or very sensitive nerves
Fortunately, today’s dentistry methods are far more comfortable than ever before and most work can be performed with little to no pain. However, when it is needed, sleep dentistry can help.
Sleep Dentistry for Children
Because positive dental experiences should begin at a young age, there may be some situations that are beneficial for children to have sleep dentistry. While normally not necessary, if it is required, our dentists are skilled at customizing the right sedation levels for your child’s age and size.
Nitrous Oxide
is the most common and lightest form of sedation and is easy to administer. Children also recover as soon as the mask is removed.
Mild to Moderate Sedation
is administered through IV in the presence of a professional anesthesiologist and is reserved for when extensive dental work is required.
General Anaesthetic
is not used very often, but if necessary, this is done at a local hospital for the best observation.
Before and After
The type of sleep dentistry that is appropriate for you and your planned dental treatment will be discussed and chosen before your procedure. The following are some tips that might help:
Nitrous Oxide and Mild Sedatives often require no advance preparation; however your dentist may ask you to refrain from drinking any beverages for an hour before your treatment.
An oral sedative will come with instructions on when to take it.
Stronger sedatives and IV sleep dentistry will require a scheduled appointment and a fast with no food or drink at least 12 hours before your treatment. Arrange a ride home as you will feel groggy for some time after your treatment.
Download Price List
While we agree that you can’t put a price on good health (especially when it comes to your teeth), we understand the reality of family budgets. That’s why we offer flexible treatment options and family-affordable pricing. You might say the only thing average about Dental House is our prices.
Risk and Recovery
Sleep dentistry uses sedation to help patients feel relaxed during treatment, and like all medical procedures, it has risks and recovery considerations.
Possible risks include:
- Nausea, drowsiness or dizziness following sedation
- Dry mouth or headache after the procedure
- In rare cases, allergic reaction or breathing difficulties related to sedative medications
- Temporary changes in blood pressure or heart rate, which are monitored during treatment
Recovery considerations:
- Patients may feel drowsy for several hours after the procedure
- Driving or operating machinery is not permitted for 24 hours after sedation
- A responsible adult must accompany the patient home
- Normal activities can usually be resumed the following day, depending on the procedure performed
Download our Price List and Call Today
We know that budgets are important for families, so we offer affordable pricing with flexible treatment options. Call today and schedule your visit and let’s begin your path to excellent oral health.
Disclaimer: The material posted is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary with each patient. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. If you have any specific questions about any dental and/or medical matter, you should consult your dentist, physician or other professional healthcare providers.
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Warning: The 'before' and 'after' images shown are of a real patient of our clinic. These images are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the results that all patients can expect. Results vary depending on individual circumstances, and all surgical and cosmetic procedures carry risks.
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