Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry - A Detailed Look At Sleep Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry - A Detailed Look At Sleep Dentistry

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry otherwise known as sleep dentistry is the practice of dentistry while the patient is asleep. This state is brought about by the administration of sedatives. This is usually done for patients who are too terrified of the dentist and would rather not have dental treatment than face their fears.

Is Sedation Dentistry Good For You?

No, sedation dentistry is not the best option. In fact it would be better for you to be awake during the procedure with painkillers to help numb the pain. Once you get the treatment you will overcome your fears to a large extent. But, not everyone is ready to face their fears and many would rather sleep through a procedure than face the pain.

Why Sedation Dentistry?

Thousands of individuals simply avoid all kinds of dental treatment because of painful experiences at the dentists as children or because they have heard some horror stories from people around them. They magnify these fears and feel that it would be impossible for them to get any kind of treatment while they are awake. To help such patient's different types of sedation dentistry is practiced.

What Are The Types Of Sedation Dentistry?

There are three types of sedation dentistry. Inhaled sedation, where the patient is given gases like laughing gas (nitrous oxide) to breathe. The patient because relaxed and quite after this. For more anxious patients Oral sedation using either pills or liquids help sedate the patient to a large extent. The third type of patient requires IV sedation or intravenous sedation administered into the blood stream. In all the above three types of sedation you are conscious and are able to respond to requests from the dentist but you are not bothered about what is happening to you as you are in deep state of relaxation.

A more radical method is dentistry under General Anesthesia. This is rarely practiced today as IV sedation is quite effective in most patients. General anesthesia for simple elective procedures like dentistry is not recommended. GA is advised for many people who can have complications due to drugs used.

Is Sedation Dentistry Useful?

Sedation dentistry useful if there is no other way of getting you into the dental chair for much needed dental care. To that extent it is useful. It has also been found that when people are given mild sedatives and sit through their dental procedures they are gradually able to overcome their fears and are able to take more complicated procedures with lesser sedation.

Should It Be Avoided?

As far as possible it is best to avoid sedation during dentistry. Patients should not feel compelled to ask for sleep dentistry as they fear that they will too much trouble for their dentists otherwise. If you feel that your dentist is impatient with you and so you need sedation that is very wrong reason to choose sleep dentistry. Instead change your dentist and find a more patient and caring person.

Disadvantages

If you sleep through your dental appointment then you are never going to overcome your fears of the dentist chair which may be quite unfounded in the first place. You will need an escort to take you home after you dental procedure which might be an inconvenience to both of you.

Advantages

You can get treatment despite your dental phobia. You go through a completely painless procedure and sleep it all off. This is particularly useful for complex and major procedures.

Choosing A Sedation Dentist

A sedation dentist needs to be experienced in this field of sleep dentistry. Ask about the percentage of patients who have similar problems like you and how many opt for sedation from the dentist. Find out if he has required qualifications and whether he is affiliated with any hospital. Administering sedatives is complex science and patients might have problems related to sedation. So, it is important to get the right professional for the job. Not all patients will need the same type of sedation and a good sedation dentist will know the method of sedation is best for you.

Does Insurance Cover Sedation Dentistry?

No, insurance does not cover sedation dentistry, but certain procedures may be covered if treatment can be completed faster with sedation than without. Check out with your insurance company.

When Is Sedation Dentistry Okay?

1. When you have irrational fears that won't go away despite counseling despite having a patient and caring dentist.
2. If you have irrational fears for injections and pain.
3. If you have other mental issues and are better off with sedation than without.
4. If you need to complete your dental treatment in as short time as possible due to paucity of time.
5. If you are going for a very complex and painful procedure.

When Is It Not Okay?

If you have issues about trust and control then sedation dentistry is not for you. If you need to know every step of every procedure that will be undertaken then sleeping through it is not an option. If you think it will it easier for dentist to deal with your genuine fears or anxiety. Also, if sedation is being pushed for even though you don't want it. Then simply refuse and find another dentist.

Sedation dentistry is certainly a boon for people who have irrational fears that can't be tackled in any other way. But, this branch of dentistry should not be abused except in most genuine and rarest of cases.

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