The newest buzzword in dentistry is “sleep dentistry”. We are bombarded with numerous ads about it, but I have to believe many are confused about what it is really all about. I will attempt to explain this in a way that WON”T put you to sleep!
There are nearly 90 million Americans that have some level of anxiety or fear of going to the dentist. Many of them just bite the bullet and white-knuckle it out. Of that number, 30 million are so fearful that they completely avoid going to the dentist,sometimes for years until a disaster occurs, like an infection, or severe toothache. After speaking to many of these people at my consultations, I’ll be honest with you: If I had the same experience they had that brought this whole fear/anixiety on, I would feel the same way. That’s right, I would avoid the dentist as well. The problem with this, and I have seen 3 of these types of patients in the last week, is when they do finally come in, the condition of their mouth is very bad. The treatment plans become more comprehensive, and more emergency treatment takes place. This can ALL be avoided.
Sleep dentistry, AKA “sedation dentistry” ,has made an amazing difference for all these people. It is now possible to have no fear or anxiety throughout the entire appointment. Anxiolysis is the first level of sedation. For most people, this is all that is necessary. After a thorough health history screening, a pill is taken the night before the appointment to begin the relaxation process. The following morning, the patient arrives with additional medicine that has been prescribed, and is dispensed in the office. You relax in the office for approximately one hour as you begin to feel more calm and comfortable, and even somewhat sleepy. All of your vital signs are monitored for this very safe method. Then, the treatment begins. The patient can talk or answer questions if asked, but is really in a relaxed state as if you drank a few glasses of wine. The goal of this level of sedation is NOT to put you to sleep. It makes the time pass very quickly, and has excellent amnesic effects, so you do not remember much of the appointment at all. The patient is taken home by a spouse or friend, as driving is not allowed. Most people just nap the remainder of the afternoon. By evening, all is well, and your treatment is done!
If the patient has certain medical conditions , or perhaps you simply want a deeper level of sedation, a board certified anesthesiologist is used to administer IV sedation where you are completely sleeping. You are breathing on your own, so this is considered “twilight” sedation, and have 100% amnesia, and no time awareness. If extenuating circumstances arise in which the patient wants general anesthesia, that can be done as well. For this, like in ANY general surgical procedure in a hospital, you are not breathing on your own, but are intibated with a breathing tube.
This is really one of the most exciting advances in dentistry. There is no longer ANY reason to avoid or put off your necessary treatment. Don’t let your past affect your future. I can help you . Your mouth will be healthy, and appear beautiful, the way it was intended to be. So tell your family, friends, and co-workers to call us for a complimentary consultation to see if you or they are a candidate for any of these sedation options, and finally get back to great oral health.