Have you heard about sedation dentistry? It's the gentle approach to dentistry that's ideal if you're nervous or are just looking for a smooth, pain-free experience.

In this blog we take a closer look at sedation dentistry and explain exactly how it works.

What exactly is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is when your dentist uses drugs to help you feel relaxed and take away pain during your procedure. It can be known as 'sleep dentistry', but it doesn't necessarily mean that you will be fully asleep during your treatment. In fact there are various levels of sedation available.

• Minimal sedation where you will be awake and responsive bit also pain-free and in a relaxed state

• Moderate sedation where you may fall asleep at some point during your procedure but will be mostly responsive

• Deep sedation where you are likely to be asleep during your procedure and will need to be woken up when it's finished

• Deep sleep where you will be unconscious for the entire procedure

More about Medications and Methods

A range of medication is available to your dentist to carry out sedation dentistry, including:

• Local Anaesthesia

• Nitrous Oxide Gas

• Oral Sedation

• Intravenous Sedation

• General Anaesthesia

Who is a good candidate for Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is appropriate for lots of different people-and is safe for adults undergoing general dental procedures and children too: it's especially helpful if

• You have dental anxiety

• You have sensitive teeth or gums

• You have a low pain threshold

• You have a strong gag reflex

• You have special needs and find it hard to tolerate dental appointments

• You have a medical condition where it's hard to control your movements

• You are having a long or complex procedure, such as dental implants or wisdom tooth removal

What can I expect from Sedation Dentistry?

• You can talk through the options with your dentist before your scheduled procedure to find the best sedation dentistry method for you.

• On the day, you will be given your chosen type of sedation before the procedure begins. Then, once your dentist is sure that you are comfortable, they will start their work.

• After your procedure, you may feel relaxed, drowsy or light headed, This is completely normal. You may also have only some or no recollection of the procedure.

• Once your dentist is sure you are safe to go home, you can leave. It's best to have a trusted person with you to ensure you get home safely and drive if necessary.

Contact Sleep Dentistry Melbourne

We are all about making your dental procedure as calm and comfortable as possible. If you would like to know more about how sedation or sleep dentistry can help you you can read more about it on our website. If you are interested, please contact us at 1300 255 600. You can book an appointment with us here.