Sedation dentistry is dental treatment performed while the patient is sedated to reduce anxiety and discomfort. Often called “sleep dentistry,” most patients are relaxed or asleep during the procedure. It is different from dental treatments for sleep disorders, which are unrelated to sedation.
Sedation dentistry allows the patient to undergo dental procedures while in a state of sleep or reduced awareness. It also produces a mild form of amnesia so that even patients who do not actually sleep don’t remember the time spent in the dental chair.
There are several different types of sedation used in dentistry today. They each require different certifications and licensing. They all have different pros and cons, discussed here.
Nitrous Oxide
Commonly known as “laughing gas”, nitrous oxide technically isn’t sedation. It may help some patients relax enough that they do fall asleep, but it does not produce sleep on its own. It is classified as an anxiolytic medication. This means that it reduces anxiety. Most patients stated that the appointment seems to go by more quickly when using nitrous oxide. There is typically a reduced awareness of the sights, sounds, and other sensations of a dental procedure.
The wonderful thing about nitrous oxide is that your body quickly eliminates it from the system once you breathe oxygen for 5 minutes. This means there is no lingering effect and no need for someone else to drive you to your dental appointment.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves the administration of an oral medication (pill) that is a sedative and typically does cause patients to sleep deeply throughout their procedures. Even those patients who do not sleep and seem to be aware of what is going on have little to no memory of the dental procedure afterward.
Oral sedation requires additional education and certification on the part of the administering dentist because it carries a higher risk of complications than nitrous oxide does. Because it does have a lingering effect and takes time for your body to metabolize, patients who take oral sedation medication must have a responsible adult accompany and drive them to and from the appointment.
Anyone whose fear or anxiety over dental treatment prevents them from seeking vital oral healthcare should consider the option of sedation dentistry. It is also a good option for patients who require a large amount of dental treatment and prefer to complete it in one long visit. Patients with mental or physical challenges that make it difficult to calmly sit in the dental chair could also benefit from sedation.
Please be aware that not all patients are good candidates for sedation dentistry. Medical conditions, medications, and other factors play an important role in a patient’s ability to be a good candidate for different types of sedation.
Because sedation involves prescription medications that affect your body as a whole, especially your breathing, it is absolutely essential that you discuss your complete medical history with your dentist. You may be taking medications that could interact with the sedative. You could have a lung problem that would prevent nitrous oxide from taking effect. People who have developed a tolerance for opioid narcotics or valium-type drugs may experience a different effect of sedation medication.
In order for your dentist to ensure your safety and comfort during sedation dentistry, you must fully disclose any medical conditions, including prescription, over-the-counter, and illicit substances you use.
For more information on sedation dentistry, read our blog on Sedation Dentistry: Your Path to Stress-Free Dental Wellness.
Many people grind or clench their teeth while during the day or sleeping. If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or notice that your teeth are wearing down or cracking, you may need a night guard. A consultation with your dentist is the best way to determine if a custom night guard could benefit you.
Preventive care is key to maintaining healthy teeth. Preventative dentistry includes things like regular at-home hygiene, exams by your dentist, oral cancer screenings, and dental x-rays. But one commonly overlooked tool for prevention is a custom night guard. Night guards are a simple yet powerful dental appliance designed to protect your teeth from damage caused by clenching or grinding while you sleep.
People who subconsciously grind or clench their teeth during sleep suffer from a condition known as bruxism, often caused by stress or tension.
Many people with bruxism only become aware of their condition once they or their dentist notice the signs. Upon waking up, you may have headaches or jaw pain. At your dental visit, your dentist may see abnormal tooth wear, shortening or flattening of teeth, cracked/ fractured teeth or fillings, or gum recession.
The best protection against bruxism is a custom-made professional night guard. A custom night guard is designed specifically for you using advanced 3D imaging technology. Made from a thin, clear acrylic material, a professional night guard provides a comfortable fit and protects your upper and lower teeth.
While a night guard won’t stop teeth grinding, it can significantly reduce its dangerous effects. By creating a barrier between your teeth, night guards prevent damage caused by grinding and reduce the pressure on your jaw muscles.
If left untreated, night time clenching and grinding can lead to serious problems with your oral health, like:
These conditions will become more severe over time and may require costly treatment to restore your oral health to proper function. A custom night guard offers long-term protection against damage or dental trauma. By preventing wear and tear on your teeth, you can save time, money, and discomfort.
Remember, preventive care is the foundation of great oral health, and a custom night guard could be the perfect step to protect your smile.
We’re here to provide personalized care so your smile stays healthy for years to come. If you may be experiencing headaches, jaw pain, or signs of tooth damage caused by clenching or grinding, please schedule an appointment with our team today.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your dental care, we are more than happy to discuss how you can achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.
As a top dentist in Northglenn, we have helped hundreds of families achieve their oral health goals and are eager to help you and your family do the same.