Sedation Vs. Sleep Dentistry Article

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Sedation vs. Sleep Dentistry

Because your dentist wants you to be healthy, he or she may offer sedation or sleep dentistry. This procedure will keep you relaxed throughout your dental visit. The difference between sedation dentistry and sleep dentistry is in the level of consciousness you have.

Author: Sara Goldstein

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Sedation vs. Sleep Dentistry

If you are anxious about going to the dentist, you are not alone. Many people have some level of dental fear, but manage to walk themselves into the dentist’s office and get through their appointment just fine. However, there are some who avoid the dentist for as long as they can. Some may have not seen a dentist in decades, hurting their oral and general health as a result. Perhaps you fall somewhere between these two categories.

Because your dentist wants you to be healthy, he or she may offer sedation or sleep dentistry. This procedure will keep you relaxed throughout your dental visit. The difference between sedation dentistry and sleep dentistry is in the level of consciousness you have; this is linked to your level of anxiety.

Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry uses different sedatives to keep you calm in a safe and effective way. There are several ways your dentist may give you the sedatives.

• Oral sedatives – Given in pill form before you leave your house or when you get to the dentist’s office. There are several types of medication your dentist might use. You will be in a deep state of relaxation, but not asleep. You will be able to respond to all questions and follow your dentist’s instructions.

• Laughing gas (nitrous oxide) – Feeling calm and relaxed while you breathe in nitrous oxide through a mask, your dentist can work in an efficient manner. The gas wears off quickly allowing you to drive home clear-headed after your appointment.

• IV sedation – You are given the sedative intravenously and are in a very deep state of relaxation. You dentist can adjust the dosage during your procedure.

Sleep Dentistry
Sleep dentistry is used for those who are extremely anxious about the dentist. You are completely unconscious just as you would be during hospital surgery. You will have no memory of your dental appointment.

Dentists who do sleep dentistry have more training than those who only perform sedation dentistry. An anesthesiologist will be present to monitor your vital signs and make sure you are completely awake after the procedure. However, you will need someone to drive you home and you will want to relax the rest of the day.

About Author

If you would like more information about sedation or sleep dentistry and are in the Salem, Brookline, or Manchester, New Hampshire area, please visit the website of experienced sedation dentist Paul Mathew, D.D.S. today.

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