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  • Overcome Your Fear of Dentist with Sleep Dentistry

Overcome Your Fear of Dentist with our Sleep Dentistry Options

Is the idea of getting your teeth cleaned make your whole body tense? Would you rather go through the pain of a toothache than visiting a dentist? Don’t worry – you are not alone. Many people are so scared of going to the dentist that they would rather not get any medication. Today on the blog, Dr. Uyen Hoang, the best dentist in Bethlehem GA, discusses how to overcome your fear of the dentist with sleep dentistry. 

What Exactly Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry can alleviate some of the anxiety experienced by people who avoid dentists like the plague.  Thus, sedation may be used for a range of treatments ranging from invasive surgery to tooth pulling. As follows, its implementation is determined by the magnitude of the fear.

Our Bethlehem GA family dentistry explains that medication is used in sedation dentistry to help patients relax during dental procedures. Additionally, with the exception of those under general anesthesia, patients are normally conscious.

Sedation Levels Used Include:

  • Sedation is minimal; you are awake but comfortable.
  • Moderate sedation (formerly known as “conscious sedation”): you may slur your words and forget much of the procedure.
  • Deep sedation means that you are on the verge of consciousness but can still be roused.

  • You are totally unconscious as a result of general anesthesia.

What Are the Various Forms of Sedation Used in Dentistry?

In dentistry, the following forms of sedation are used:

Nitrous Oxide

Sedation is accomplished by inhalation. Nitrous Oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a mask put over your nose. As follows, the gas allows you to unwind.  In fact, the amount of sedation you get can be regulated by your dentist, and the gas wears off quickly. This is the only type of sedation that allows you to drive yourself home after the treatment.

Sedation By Mouth

Oral sedation can vary from mild to moderate, depending on the total dose administered. You take a pill for mild sedation. Our friend Dr. Ben Kacos, sleep dentist Shreveport, explains that this is his most requested service. He usually uses a pill, Halcion, which is in the same drug family as Valium. It is administered about an hour before the operation. The pill will make you drowsy, but you will remain conscious. To achieve mild sedation, a higher dose can be administered. This is the most common form of anesthesia associated with sedation dentistry. Some people become drowsy enough during the operation as a result of mild oral sedation. They can usually be woken up with a gentle shake.

IV Sedation with a Mild Level of Sedation

Since the sedative drug is administered through a vein, it has a faster onset of action. This approach allows the dentist to change the amount of sedation as required.

Deep Sedation & General Anesthesia

During the operation, you will be given drugs that will render you either almost unconscious or completely unconscious (deeply asleep). You cannot quickly be revived when under general anesthesia unless the effects of the anesthesia wear off or are reversed with medicine.

Who Can Get Sedation

Sedation is best suited for patients who have a genuine fear or anxiety about going to the dentist.

Sedation dentistry may also be beneficial for individuals who:

  • Have a low pain threshold
  • Are unable to sit still in the dentist’s chair
  • Have very sensitive teeth
  • Have a bad gag reflex and require extensive dental work
  • If a child is terrified, he or she may be given sedation

Talk to Your Bethlehem Dentist

Having anesthesia always carries some risk. However, when administered by a skilled dentist, it is usually safe. Certain people, such as those who are obese or have obstructive sleep apnea, should consult with their doctor before undergoing sedation. This is because they are more likely to experience complications as a result of the anesthesia.

Sleep Dentistry in Bethlehem GA

At Gentle Dental Group, we are here to discuss all of your options with you. For sedation dentistry in Bethlehem GA, contact our office today.