Sleep Dentistry
Sleep Dentistry at Diggers Rest, Caroline Springs, Hillside, Taylors Lake and Sydenham
Sleep dentistry is a service that helps many patients get the dental treatment they need to restore oral health. From laughing gas to IV sedation, sleep dentistry puts the patient in a state of deep relaxation, allowing the dentist to administer treatments like root canal therapy or wisdom tooth extraction. Our dental team at Diggers Rest Dental House provides various methods of sleep dentistry to help our patients enjoy comfortable and low-stress treatments.
Sleep Dentistry at Diggers Rest Dental House
Sleep Dentistry at Diggers Rest Dental House
Sleep dentistry is a set of services in which we may use medication, happy gas, or other methods to help the patient go into a state of deep relaxation. In most cases, you will remain awake but we may also provide general anesthesia for more complicated procedures. When we create a customised treatment plan for you, we will discuss any sleep dentistry options you may be interested in.
Sedation or Sleep Dentistry?
Both sedation and sleep dentistry refer to medications and other methods that are used to help relax a patient and put them at ease. Modern medications are safe and can be customised to suit the individual. The goal is to help relieve stress so the patient can get the dental treatment they need, and a relaxed patient is easier for the dentist to work with.
Sedation dentistry
is usually administered with oral medications. During dental treatment, the patient is not asleep, but deeply relaxed often not remembering any part of the procedure once it is over. This method is commonly used to help alleviate dental anxiety.
Sleep dentistry
is when the patient is actually induced into sleep through general anesthesia. While not common for cosmetic dentistry procedures, it may be helpful for patients with extreme dental anxiety and for those who require multiple or complex dental procedures.
Methods of Inducing Sleep Dentistry
Methods of Inducing Sleep Dentistry
The most preferred method of sleep dentistry at Diggers Rest Dental House is oral medication. In some cases, you may be given a prescription to fill before your appointment and then instructed to take it an hour before your treatment, so you are nice and relaxed for your visit. Happy gas is the next level and has a quick onset and wears off quickly. General anesthesia may be arranged ahead of time and is reserved for complicated procedures as most patients will not require this.
Types of Sleep Dentistry
Diggers Rest Dental House offers a few methods of sleep dentistry to ensure we can serve all of our patients’ needs. The following are the types of sleep dentistry we offer:
A muscle relaxant or anti-anxiety medication
may be prescribed before your treatment, so you can take it and be in a relaxed state by the time you have your treatment. This will be administered as an oral medication and there is usually no additional charge.
Happy gas, or nitrous oxide
is a common type of sedation dentistry and is administered through a breathing mask. It is sometimes called happy gas or laughing gas because of the way it makes a patient feel. There is usually a small fee for this service; typically, a few hundred dollars.
IV Sedation and General Anesthesia
are administered by an anesthetist or dental seditionist. This method may be called sleep dentistry, twilight sedation or IV sedation and will cost more money because another specialist is involved who may charge $500-$800/hour.
Sleep dentistry may be provided at some clinic locations and sometimes at a local hospital, but most dentists do not have access to this option. Your dentist will inform you if ride arrangements will be needed, as some forms of sleep dentistry take time to wear off.
Risks and Recovery
Sleep dentistry uses sedation to help patients feel relaxed during treatment, and like all medical procedures, it has risks and recovery considerations.
Possible risks include:
- Nausea, drowsiness or dizziness following sedation
- Dry mouth or headache after the procedure
- In rare cases, allergic reaction or breathing difficulties related to sedative medications
- Temporary changes in blood pressure or heart rate, which are monitored during treatment
Recovery considerations:
- Patients may feel drowsy for several hours after the procedure
- Driving or operating machinery is not permitted for 24 hours after sedation
- A responsible adult must accompany the patient home
- Normal activities can usually be resumed the following day, depending on the procedure performed
Download Price List To Help You Budget
While we agree that you can’t put a price on good health (especially when it comes to your teeth), we understand the reality of family budgets. That’s why we offer flexible treatment options and family-affordable pricing. You might say the only thing average about Dental House is our prices.
The Benefits of Sedation and Sleep Dentistry
The benefits of sedation and sleep dentistry go beyond helping those with dental anxiety. It can save you time and money because you will be able to have multiple treatments in one visit, if needed. Sleep dentistry can help the dentist work easier as your jaw is relaxed, and save you from having a sore jaw due to stress. Sleep dentistry can help patients with the following issues:
Low pain tolerance
Resistance to local anesthesia or numbing agents
Dental or medical phobias
Fear of needles
Negative past dental experiences
Patients who need extensive or complicated treatments
Strong or sensitive gag reflex
Extreme pain due to exposed nerves or other problem
Patients with General Anxiety Disorder
Jaw problems that may be irritated from a dental treatment
If you have any of the above issues or something more unique that you believe requires sleep or sedation dentistry, talk to us today. Please note that while it can be very useful to help you learn to overcome the fear of the dentist, modern dental techniques often create little to no pain. Root canal therapy is the most common treatment associated with pain, but can be numbed with local anesthesia. Each situation is unique and your dentist will discuss the options available for your situation.
Children and Sleep Dentistry
Children and Sleep Dentistry
There are some children that may require a form of sleep dentistry or sedation to help them receive dental treatment. Fortunately, we can tailor the method to your child’s size and age to ensure they are comfortable and safe. The following are some forms of sleep dentistry that children may use.
Happy gas
is the most commonly used sedation for children. It is a mild gas mixed with oxygen, can be adjusted to your child’s needs, and has a quick onset. Once the mask is removed, recovery takes place usually within minutes.
Mild to Moderate Sedation
may be provided through oral medication or IV sedation. During IV sedation, a professional seditionist will be present during the treatment. This is usually reserved for children who need extensive work.
FAQs About Sleep Dentistry
How long will it take to recover from sedation or general anaesthetic?
Most patients feel drowsy for several hours afterward. Full recovery usually occurs within 24 hours, although some people may take longer depending on the procedure.
Do You Need Sedation or Sleep Dentistry?
If you want to know more about this sedation or sleep dentistry, call today and schedule a visit for a dental exam and evaluation. We will discuss all options of sleep dentistry with you, and together we will find the best solution for your needs.
Disclaimer: The material posted is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary with each patient. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. If you have any specific questions about any dental and/or medical matter, you should consult your dentist, physician or other professional healthcare providers.
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