Sleep Dentistry and Sedation Dentistry in Vancouver, WA – Today’s Dentistry
Dental anxiety and dental fear can prevent individuals from seeking necessary dental care, which can lead to more complex and painful dental problems in the long run. Ignoring oral health issues can also impact a person’s overall health and well-being. Whether you have mild anxiety, moderate anxiety or severe anxiety about dental work we can help you find the right level of dental sedation to make you comfortable.
What is Sleep Dentistry?
Sleep dentistry, also known as sedation dentistry method, uses sedatives to help patients relax during dental procedures. This can include the use of a prescription pill for oral sedation, laughing gas, or intravenous (IV) sedation, to help patients feel calm and comfortable during the procedure. The goal of sleep dentistry is to provide a safe and anxiety-free dental experience for patients who may have fear or anxiety about undergoing dental treatment.
What are the different levels of Sedation Dentistry?
- Minimal sedation: You are awake but relaxed, able to respond to verbal cues, and can breathe on your own.
- Moderate sedation: You may feel drowsy and have limited memory of the procedure, but are still able to respond to verbal cues and breathe on your own.
- Deep sedation: You are close to being unconscious but can still be awakened if necessary.
- General anesthesia: You are fully unconscious and cannot be awakened until the effects of the anesthesia have worn off.
What is laughing gas?
Laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide, is the most frequently used method for mild sedation in dentistry and is extremely common technique to help patients relax during procedures. It is inhaled through a mask placed over the nose and takes effect within minutes, providing a feeling of euphoria and reduced anxiety. During the dental appointments you remain awake and able to communicate with the dentist. The effects of laughing gas wears off quickly after the mask is removed, making it safe for you to drive yourself home and continue normal activities immediately. It is commonly used for routine dental treatments such as cleanings, fillings, root canal and minor oral surgery.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation dentistry?
Oral conscious sedation is a form of sedation dentistry that involves taking a prescription oral medication, administered orally, to help you relax and feel more at ease during dental procedures. The medication is usually taken about an hour before the appointment and helps you feel calm and drowsy during the procedure. For moderate dental anxiety, nitrous oxide can be used at the same time to induce a moderate sedation level. You are awake and able to respond to the dentist during the dental procedure, but you may feel groggy or have little memory of the entire procedure. Oral conscious sedation is considered a moderate form of sedation, and a driver is required to take you home after the appointment
How does IV Sedation work?
IV sedation dentistry involves a sedative medication administered intravenously directly into a patient’s bloodstream. This allows the medication to take effect more quickly and provide deeper, effective sedation dentistry. Sedation levels from light IV sedation to deep sedation. During the procedure, the patient is conscious, relaxed and does not remember the dental procedure. The dentist closely monitors the patient’s vital signs and adjusts the sedation as necessary. IV sedation is typically used for those who need more than mild sedation and for complex procedures.
Which level of sedation should I do?
There is no right or wrong level of sedation for you. Our goal at Today’s Dentistry is to help you become more comfortable in the dental chair and to allow you to have dental treatments safely.
