All you Need to Know About a Sleep Dentist

Going to the dentist is a task that may cause fear in even the most easy-going person. Many people would rather live with the pain of a cavity than seek medical treatment. Whether they have had a bad experience in the past, or just dislike the feeling of having work done, some people avoid going to the dentist. If you are one of these people, you are not alone. Fortunately, our sleep dentist, who works with sedation dentistry, may be the perfect solution for you to take care of your dental needs without anxiety.

Depending on the level of your fear, sedation dentistry will be used to treat a variety of dental needs, from routine cleanings to invasive work. This helps many patients who avoid going to the dentist. How it’s used depends on several factors, including the level of anxiety experienced by the patient.

An Explanation of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry, or sometimes called “sleep dentistry,” uses medication to help the patient relax during dental procedures. The name is somewhat misleading as you rarely go to sleep. Instead, the medication used relaxes you and reduces the fear and anxiety that makes going to the dentist a scary experience. For the most part, patients do not fall asleep, although occasionally general anesthesia is used.

Levels of Sedation

There are multiple levels of sedation used, depending on your dental needs and level of anxiety. With minimal sedation, you are still awake but feel relaxed. Moderate sedation, or “conscious sedation,” also provides a very relaxed feeling, though you may not remember much of your experience. If you need deep sedation, you will be on the verge of consciousness. Finally, there is general anesthesia, during which you are unconscious. Our highly-qualified sleep dentist will help you determine which level of sedation is appropriate for your procedure.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to make going to the dentist a more comfortable experience. Besides decreasing a patient’s anxiety, sedation dentistry by a qualified sleep dentist may also decrease the number of visits you need to make, depending on the situation.

Can Our Sleep Dentist Help You?

If you’re looking for a sleep dentist, make an appointment at Cascades Center for Dental Health in Sterling. Contact us today to schedule your dental appointment!