Questions About Sedation Dentistry
Serving Portland, Maine and other surrounding areas
What is sedation dentistry?
What are the types of sedation dentistry?
What is sleep dentistry? Is it different from sedation dentistry?
Is sleep dentistry safe?
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a way to take the pain and anxiety out of receiving dental work. It is different than sleep dentistry, where you are totally unconscious during the dental procedure. Rather, sedation dentistry involves the administration of a sedative. During the procedure, you'll be in a deeply relaxed state, although you'll be able to respond. After the procedure, you'll wake feeling refreshed, with very little memory of what was done.
What are the types of sedation dentistry?
- Oral conscious sedation
For this type of sedation, you'll be given a pill to take about an hour before your procedure. Someone will need to drive you to and from the dentist's office, since you'll become very drowsy during that hour. You won't be unconscious -- you'll still be able to respond -- but you'll feel very relaxed. After the treatment is over you'll probably fall asleep for a few hours. When you wake up, you'll feel refreshed, and have little or no memory of what was done. - I.V. conscious sedation
This type of sedation is when a sedative is administered directly into your bloodstream via an I.V. A specially trained dentist is required to administer this sedative. The advantage of I.V. conscious sedation is that the amount of sedative can be regulated for your individual needs, and the effects are instantaneous.
Using oral sedation dentistry, dental treatments which typically require numerous appointments can sometimes be completed in just one visit.
What is sleep dentistry? Is it different from sedation dentistry?
Sleep dentistry is different from sedation dentistry. Sleep dentistry requires an anesthesiologist, who administers anesthesia. During the procedure you will be unconscious, asleep and unable to respond.
Sleep dentistry is typically used when the procedure is especially complex, painful, or when the patient has an unusually severe phobia of dental procedures, noises or surgery.
Is sleep dentistry safe?
Yes. Sleep dentistry can only be administered by a professional, specially trained dentist.
The most important safety concern is to insure that you never drive while under the influence of the sedative. You'll need a ride to and from the dentist's office. Additionally, you will be quite tired and relaxed following the procedure. A friend or family member should be around while you are under the effects of the sedative, just in case you need anything.
Sedation dentistry has helped many patients feel at ease while transforming their smile. Sedation dentistry is safe alternative for those who have anxiety about visiting the dentist. If you are interested in sedation dentistry, please Contact Dr. Robert Beebe , an LVI Clinical instructor, today.
Gray Plaza 31 Portland Rd
Gray, ME 04039
Cosmetic Dentistry