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Sedation dentistry, also known as sleep dentistry, uses pharmacological agents to calm and relax you prior to and during a dental appointment. These agents usually belong to a class of drugs called sedatives, which exert their action by depressing the central nervous system, specifically those areas concerned with conscious awareness. There are different degrees of central nervous system depression, each corresponding to a level of relaxation that ranges from minimal, moderate, to deep sedation or sleep. In general, minimal sedation refers to a patient who has reduced anxiety, but readily responds to verbal or physical stimulation. With moderate sedation, the patient is even more relaxed, and will respond to purposeful stimulation. In deep sedation, the patient may not exhibit any signs of consciousness and therefore be unresponsive to stimulation. Sedation dentistry by pharmacologic methods may be obtained by two general routes. The Enteral route includes medications that are swallowed, absorbed through the mucosa of the oral cavity or inserted rectally. The Parenteral route involves the administration of sedative drugs other than absorption within the alimentary canal. These methods include intravenous, inhalation, intramuscular, and submucosal administration, among others. Minimal Sedation - Oral Conscious Sedation
You will take a small pill an hour prior to your dental appointment. Your companion will drive you to the office because by the time you arrive, you will be very drowsy. When you arrive in our office, you will be escorted into the operatory, covered with a thick, warm blanket and placed on a monitor to watch your vital signs. After you are comfortable, the doctor and the experienced clinical team will take care of your dental needs. When your treatment is completed, your companion will drive you home to finish your comfortable, relaxing day.
Moderate and Deep Sedation (IV) - Nitrous Oxide
Is sedation or sleep dentistry completely safe and what can I expect? Yes, it is completely safe! You will have little or no memory of the experience. You won't remember any sounds or smells. You will relax for up to six hours after surgery. The time you are sleeping will vary depending on your needed treatment.
How do I know if sedation or sleep dentistry is right for me? Complex dental treatments that often require six to eight appointments can be done in as little as one! All while you relax. People who have difficulty getting numb will find that sedation or sleep dentistry eliminates this problem. Sedation or sleep dentistry is a safe way to reduce the fatigue of extended dental treatment requiring long visits.
Will I feel any pain? Most patients sleep through dental procedures including implants, root canals and extractions. Patients say they do not remember anything.
Will I be unconscious? No, you will be in a deeply relaxed state, and you will normally be responsive.
Will I be monitored? Yes, one of our team is always with you and your vital signs are monitored during the entire visit. You are never alone.
How long will I be sleeping? Depending on your needs, from two to six hours.
Will someone need to accompany me? Yes, due to the sedative effects of the medication, you will need someone to drive you to our office and home again.
Who is a candidate for sedation or sleep dentistry? People with the following concerns are candidates for sedation or sleep dentistry: