Calm & Comfortable: How To Know If You Need Sleep Dentistry

If you’re one of the two million Australians who avoids going to the dentist out of fear then, chances are, sleep dentistry is for you. After all, medical advancements have come so far in recent years that seeing your local dental expert really isn’t cause for concern.

However, we understand the lingering anxiety surrounding the dreaded dental visit. However, care has come so far that you can receive treatment whilst being sedated, meaning you could have reduced anxiety, less pain and a faster recovery time.

So, let’s walk you through this important dental advancement and how to know if it is right for you:

What exactly is sleep dentistry?

The best dentist sleep Melbourne has will focus on providing care to patients who are sleeping throughout the process. It is also known as sedation dentistry because patients are exactly that – sedated. Your professional will use one of a variety of techniques to help you keep calm and relaxed throughout your treatment.

Typical sedation methods include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation and intravenous (IV) sedation. Oral sedation comes in the form of a pill which the patient takes to induce a greater feeling of calm. Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask to provide similar sensations of calm and relaxation, whilst IV sedation is introduced through a vein in the arm – a method which produces a deep level of sedation.

Professionals work alongside anaesthesiologists to ensure that their patients are calm, comfortable and safe throughout treatment. They also enlist different precautions to ensure the patient’s airway is fully operational throughout treatment.

Below we will talk about some of the reasons why it can be hugely beneficial for patients who fear the dentist:

• If you have fear of dental procedures

Many people have a serious fear of treatment. Unfortunately, when it impedes on their ability to go to their local clinic, it can end up being problematic for their oral health. This treatment method is designed to reduce or fully alleviate those fears that may be keeping you away from treatment.

• If you fear dental pain

This treatment method can help reduce pain throughout treatment, so if you have fear that treatment will cause a lot of oral pain, this treatment may be perfect for you. After all, you will be less aware of the treatment occurring which, consequently, can reduce or alleviate feelings of pain.

• If you dread a long recovery time

Nobody wants to be out of action recovering from a dental procedure for too long. Luckily, this treatment can help you recover faster as your body will be more relaxed and won’t have to work so hard to recover.

What are the different sedation levels?

There are four main sedation levels enlisted in this treatment, including:

• Minimal sedation

This is where you will still be awake but feeling very relaxed – a treatment that is performed with nitrous oxide.

• Moderate sedation

This is where you will feel drowsy and may even fall asleep. However, you can be easily roused from this tired feeling. This is typically performed with oral sedation but may also require IV sedation to reach the desired level of calm and relaxation.

• Deep sedation

This is where you will be barely responsive and may take time to rouse from your deep level of calm. This treatment may utilise general anaesthesia to reach this level of calm and relaxation.

• Ultrasonic waves

This is an advanced dental technology that utilises sound waves to put you in a deep state of calm and relaxation without the side effects you may experience when sedated with general anaesthesia.