Sedation dentistry can be used for almost any cosmetic dentistry procedure available and the level of sedation can be adjusted from mild to complete unconsciousness depending on the patient. This process uses carefully administered medication to help a patient relax. This technique is sometimes referred to as sleep dentistry and this is not entirely accurate since the patient is actually awake for the procedure, but sedated. There are four levels of sedation that can be used for a patient and the level chosen is dependant on the procedure being performed as well as the dentist and patient’s judgment and experience.

The simplest form of sedation dentistry is done under mild sedation. In this state the patient will be almost completely awake, but more relaxed. This is used in cases where patients have a little bit of anxiety about a specific procedure and this technique will help them relax a bit and relieve some of the stress associated with the process. The next level of sedation is called moderate sedation and in this case the patient will be even more relaxed and may be slurring their speech as a result of the medication. When this level of sedation is administered, the patient may not remember details of the procedure being performed. The next level is called deep sedation and still has the patient on the edge of unconsciousness but can be awakened if needed by the dentist. This is one of the most common levels for patients that are very anxious about a procedure and gives the dentist the flexibility to rouse the patient if needed to answer questions about the procedure. The deepest level of sedation is general anesthesia and in this state the patient is completely unconscious. This can be used for patients that are particularly anxious about visiting the dentist and can simply wake up after the process has been completed.

The medication used in sedation dentistry can be administered in a few different ways and will depend on the patient’s preference and the medication used. Mild sedation may be administered through the inhalation of a gas like nitrous oxide that is mixed with oxygen through a mask. This produces a slightly relaxed feeling and will wear off quickly. This is the only form of sedation that allows you to drive yourself home after the visit. Many of the medications used for sedation dentistry are taken orally and usually an hour or so before the procedure to ensure they have taken affect. Through the use of sedation dentistry a cosmetic dentist can help a patient with procedures that they might normally avoid due to anxiety or nerves. This can make a huge difference in their dental health and allow them to overcome their fear of dental procedures.

While some people can go to a dentist and always have a pleasant trip and perfect checkup, others seem to be constantly plagued by dental problems that cause pain and discomfort. Sedation dentistry will provide you with a dental trip that is relaxing and stress free. No longer will you have to dread going to the dentist because of the pain you’re afraid you’ll experience. Some people have so much pain when they go to the dentist that it becomes almost a dental phobia. According to a recent survey, over 30% of patients avoid going to the dentist because of fear. This fear often prevents them from making the regular trips to the dentist they need to maintain healthy teeth and gums and having a healthy, happy smile. Sedation dentistry helps eliminate this pain and will provide you with a relaxing visit and checkup.

Sedation dentists are committed to making your dental visit pleasant, relaxing and pain free. Sedation dentistry is a process where the patients are put in a calm and relaxing state by the use of sedatives or sedative drugs such as depressants, tranquilizers, nitrous oxide or other anti-anxiety medications. These sedative drugs can be administered in different ways. In the past, sedation dentistry was handled with an injection in the hand or arm or inhalation of “laughing gas” (nitrous oxide). Today IV sedation is used frequently and is effective and safe.

Oral sedation dentistry is a very common procedure used today and is very popular because it helps put the patient in a calm and relaxed state without the use of needles. Although in the past it was commonly referred to as sleep dentistry, this is not the case. The patient is awake through the entire visit, but they are so relaxed and sleepy that they feel nothing but relaxation. Some patients, in fact, have no recollection of their visit. Many patients like it this way! They are awake during the procedure; however, and are at a level of consciousness where they know what’s going on and are able to cooperate with the sedation dentists. When you have qualified sedation dentists working on your mouth, they will provide you with a dental checkup that’s relaxing and pleasant, making your trip to the dentist enjoyable rather than something you dread.

While you may still receive an injection in your mouth for local anesthetic, it’s not given until you are relaxed enough to not feel or be bothered by the injection. If you are interested in having sedation dentistry at all your appointments, it’s important that you see qualified and responsible sedation dentists. One of the main advantages of sedation dentistry is that it contributes to their dental procedure not taking near as long as it normally would. Don’t let your fear of dentists keep you from having the healthy teeth and dazzling smile you are capable of having. Sedation dentists can help give you a pleasant trip to the dentist.