Sleep Dentistry
Boulder Total Dentistry understands having a dental procedure can be very overwhelming and cause anxiety to certain patients. We want our patients to feel confident and comfortable coming to the dentist and we offer a safe and effective solution to dental phobias. Sedation, or Sleep dentistry, uses a combination of medications and techniques to help you relax through an extensive dental procedure. Sedation dentistry can be administered a few different ways including Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) and through oral sedation.
What is Nitrous Oxide?
One of the most frequently used means of sedation in dentistry is nitrous oxide. Nitrous, also called laughing gas by some people, has been utilized for many years to keep people comfortable and calm during dental treatment. Nitrous and oxygen are combined, and the gas mixture is applied via a mask. This combination doesn’t put a person to sleep, but rather takes them to a level of extreme relaxation. A patient who uses nitrous oxide to relax during a dental treatment can respond to the dentist and any instructions that are given to them.
One of the benefits of using nitrous is that the patient remains calm during treatment. The calming benefits work within a few minutes, and sedation wears quickly after the removal of the mask.
People with breathing problems or who are ill may not be able to use this sedation method. Be sure you let your dentist know of any medications and health issues you may have before being sedated.
What is Oral Sedation?
If you have anxiety about having a dentist’s visit, or if you need an extensive procedure to be done that will take some time, you should consider getting oral sedation. Oral sedation is when you receive medication in the form of a pill that you will take prior to your appointment. The medication allows for moderate sedation, allowing you to feel more relaxed, and calm during your procedure.
Because of the longer lasting effect of using oral sedation, it will mean that you will not be able to drive a car or travel after your appointment. You will need someone with you at your appointment who can help get you home. They will also need to be able to give you the proper information that we give to them regarding your follow-up appointment.
Some of the benefits of oral sedation, which are in the benzodiazepine family, include:
- Being able to sit through a lengthy procedure more comfortably.
- Being able to receive a full restoration or several treatments in one sitting.
- Being more relaxed during surgery.
To inquire further about this service please give our office a call and our staff members would be happy to assist you.
