Sedation dentistry (also known as “Sleep Dentistry”) uses medication to help patients relax or even sleep during dental procedures for painless dental care.
What is Sedation Dentistry or “Sleep Dentistry”?
Sedation dentistry, sometimes called “Sleep Dentistry,” is a safe, gentle option used to help patients relax while they are having dental treatment. Medication will be used but you usually remain awake, unless you opt for a general anesthetic which will make you sleep.
Dr. Dunson will discuss the sedation options with you so that you can choose the one you prefer and which is best suited to your circumstances:
A low level of sedation: you will feel completely relaxed but will not be asleep.
Moderate sedation: you will feel more relaxed, even drowsy and although not fully asleep, you may not remember much afterward.
Deep sedation: you will wake up easily but will be more or less unconscious.
General anesthetic: you will be fully asleep/unconscious and will not be aware of anything.
In addition to the sedation, Dr. Dunson will still apply a local anesthetic into your gum so that you will not feel any pain while the doctor works on your teeth.
What are the benefits of Sedation Dentistry?
Being sedated while you have dental work completed brings with it many benefits. Your anxiety will be relieved, you will be less aware or totally unaware of the procedure being carried out, and your fear will become a thing of the past.
Who should consider Sedation Dentistry?
If the thought of dental treatment fills you with dread, then sedation dentistry is well worth considering. By allowing your dentist to sedate you, dental treatment can be carried out quickly, efficiently and painlessly. Talk to your dentist about sedation dentistry if you have problems with any of the following:
A fear of dentists
Low pain threshold
Very sensitive teeth
A gag reflex that causes problems during treatment
Need to have a vast amount of work carried out
