What Is Sleep Dentistry? Is It The Same As Sedation Dentistry?

Sleep dentistry is the same as sedation dentistry. Oral sedation dentistry, is often referred to as sleep dentistry, is where you are given a tranquilizer or anti-anxiety medication prior to your dental visit. This medication relaxes you to the point where you may feel drowsy and be in a “daydream” state of mind. While you are not asleep during your dental procedure, you are extremely relaxed.

This type of oral sedation dentistry allows you to be awake and anxiety-free during your dental procedure. The certified sedation dentist and his team will monitor you closely: while you won’t be unconscious, you will be “distant” from the going-ons of the dental procedures.

Sedation dentistry allows you to get either routine dental care or go through long dental procedures without stress or anxiety. With oral sedation dentistry, it can make long dental procedures seem like only minutes have passed: you don’t realize how much time has lapsed or feel any pain.

If you choose sleep dentistry (oral sedation dentistry), you need to be aware that you will need to be driven to and from the dental office. You should plan to have a caregiver with you through the procedure and up to 4 hours afterwards. If you are unable to have someone drive you, you may want to consider nitrous oxide gas instead of taking an oral pill. Nitrous oxide gas will allow you to recover quickly from your dental procedure and you will be able to drive and function immediately after your dental procedure.

You want to make sure that you discuss all of the available options with your dentist. He or she will know your specific dental care needs and will be able to help you assess what treatment plans will be best for your situation. Plus, since dental insurance coverage varies, his office will be able to help you identify which sedation dentistry works best for you.