There is a large percentage of people all over the globe who experience dental anxiety. For some, this fear may have stemmed from an unpleasant dental experience; for others, it may be the pain of needles in general, PTSD, depression, previous trauma, etc. However, we understand oral health is important for maintaining good overall health; hence, we must get the required dental care. Dental clinics advise using sleep dentistry to overcome dental anxiety, ensuring a calm and confident endeavour with your dentist. Let us explore more about sleep dentistry:
What is Sleep Dentistry?
Sleep Dentistry is often known as Sedation Dentistry. Sedation is an important part of dental care, using sedation to treat patients undergoing dental procedures. The sedatives help the patients relax and feel comfortable during the dental procedures. Generally, there are four different types of sedation methods used.
Types of Sedation Methods
Oral Sedatives
Oral sedatives are used to assist patients in unwinding before dental procedures. If they are very nervous, this medicine should be taken the night before their visit or 30 – 60 minutes before the procedure. However, a local anaesthetic will also be required because this kind of sedative only calms you and does not relieve pain.
Nitrous Sedation
Nitrous oxide is a popular way of sedation since it both sedates and relieves pain. With a nasal tube, nitrous oxide, popularly called laughing gas, is given to patients to keep them alert but at ease. While some pain management benefits come with this sedation technique, complete pain relief will also be achieved with the use of a local anaesthetic.
Intravenous Sedation
Similar to an oral sedative, this anti-anxiety drug does not relieve pain and must be used in conjunction with a local anaesthetic of some kind. Intravenous sedation involves injecting a drug into the vein to put the patient to sleep so they won’t know anything is happening. If you select this kind of sedation, you will be wearing an oxygen-delivering nasal tube and have your vital signs constantly watched.
General Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia is administered only by a trained and certified individual. The patient receives the sedative via an IV, which induces extreme relaxation and sleep during the treatment. The patient does not recall what happened to them when they woke up. Their vital signs are tracked throughout the visit to guarantee safety.
Different Levels of Sedation
Depending on the type of dental procedure the patient has to undergo, the dentist discusses the level of sedation that would best work for them. Dental sedation comes in four stages:
Anxiolysis
Anxiolysis is also known as light sedation and can be induced by various sedatives, but nitrous oxide is the most widely utilised. A patient with mild dental anxiety should be put under this level of sedation.
Conscious Sedation
Nitrous oxide or IV sedation is generally used to induce conscious sedation. This state allows the patient to be very calm and comfortable, but they can still follow instructions and respond to the dentist. If you have severe dental anxiety, this level of sedation is perfect for you.
Deep Sedation
The patient is neither conscious nor unconscious. Patients in deep sedation will not be able to respond to commands and will require a nasal tube to receive oxygen continuously. People with dental phobias are usually given this type of sedation.
Unconscious Sedation
This level of anaesthesia is exclusively recommended for patients having oral surgery. Patients receiving general anaesthesia are unconscious after they receive the sedation.
Book An Appointment With Healthy Smiles
At Healthy Smiles, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional dental care tailored to your needs, with a range of sedation dentistry options ensuring your comfort throughout treatment. Experience the difference with our dedicated team, committed to your well-being and satisfaction. Book an appointment today and embark on a journey to a healthier, happier smile!
You can book a dental appointment online or contact us using the contact details below.
We are a leading dental clinic serving residents in and around Blackburn, Forest Hill, Box Hill, Nunawading, Burwood & Burwood East.
Healthy Smiles Dental Group
Address: 152 Canterbury Road, Blackburn South, VIC 3130
Phone Number: 03 9877 2035
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