Yes, your dentist can make you sleep during treatments. However, your dentist will begin to discuss conscious sedation options first. Conscious sedation involves the use of medications to help you relax during a dental procedure. It's ideal for patients who feel anxious, nervous, or who can't sit still during dental visits.
General anesthesia is the only true sleep dentistry option. Under general anesthesia, patients remain completely unconscious throughout the treatment process. This ensures total comfort and relaxation, even during the most advanced oral surgery. For your safety, your vital signs will be closely monitored throughout treatment, and if you are at greater risk of complications, we may recommend that you have the procedure performed in a hospital.
The first (and the mildest) option is nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas. A mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen relaxes the body and leaves it in a calm and sedated state. However, you are still awake and can respond to orders and give your opinion. This mild sedation goes away soon after you take off your mask, and you can drive home in a very short time.
At the other end of the spectrum is oral sedation. This is the least expensive option. Rest assured that it doesn't hurt. Not only that, but you won't remember the dental procedure.
Your dentist will give you a pill to take at a certain time before your extraction appointment. He'll be sedated, but technically he'll still be awake. You'll be sleepy, but you'll still maintain control of all your defensive reflexes. You'll also be able to answer questions, but there's no guarantee how intelligent your answers will be.
Intravenous (IV) sedation refers to the administration of an anti-anxiety medication through the blood during dental treatment. Intravenous sedation dentistry is sometimes referred to as “twilight” or “dream” dentistry. However, instead of making you sleep, the sedative helps you relax and feel at peace. While you'll be able to answer the dentist's questions, your treatment procedure will be inaccurate once the sedative wears off.
Most dentists can administer minimal sedation (such as nitrous oxide or pills). More and more dentists can administer moderate sedation. However, only a small percentage of dentists who have completed the Dental Accreditation Commission (CODA) deep sedation and general anesthesia program can use these more complex techniques. These dentists are usually oral and maxillofacial surgeons and dental anesthesiologists.
Some dentists use an anesthesiologist, who is specially trained to administer all levels of sedation and anesthesia to both children and adults. To ensure total comfort and safety during these advanced surgical procedures, most oral surgeons offer a wide range of dental sedative options, from the mildest nitrous oxide to general anesthesia. Delaying dental visits increases the risk of tooth loss, serious dental infections, or even oral cancer. The American Dental Association estimates that 22% of Americans avoid dental visits due to fear and anxiety.
However, with dental implants, you'll be able to eat just as well as when your natural teeth were perfectly healthy. In addition, it is estimated that up to 50% of the population fears the dentist, and many of them sacrifice their good dental health for that reason. If the dentist deems it appropriate, you may be sedated to help alleviate any physical or physiological pain that may induce the operation. During your visit to the dentist, the dentist will insert a fine needle into a vein in your hand or arm.
Fortunately, dentists are now using dental sedation techniques that aim to help patients get the necessary dental care without the characteristic pain and anxiety. Weaver, DDS, PhD, anesthesiologist dentist; professor emeritus of the Ohio State University School of Dentistry; spokesperson for the American Dental Association. Having a dentist you can trust is not only important for oral hygiene and maintaining a bright smile, but it's also imperative for your overall health. If you need to sleep fully during the procedure, oral surgeons can usually help.
Your dentist can do many things to ease the pain that occurs with dental procedures, and a good dentist will ensure that you are completely comfortable with pain treatment options before starting any procedure. . .
