Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry (also known as “Sleep Dentistry”) uses medication to help patients relax or even sleep during dental procedures for painless dental care.

Sedation dentistry enables patients who may have a low pain threshold, very sensitive teeth, a gag reflex, or moderate-to-severe anxiety the ability to undergo more advanced procedures for teeth and gum health. At Palmetto Dental Arts, we use a Medical and Dental anesthesiologist to administer an IV sedation that puts you to sleep safely and comfortably and provides for the ultimate painless dental care.

What is Sedation Dentistry or “Sleep Dentistry”?

Sedation dentistry is used to help patients relax while they are having treatment. Medication will be used but you usually remain awake, unless you opt for a general anesthetic which will make you sleep.

Palmetto Dental Arts will discuss the sedation options with you so that you can choose the one you prefer and which he feels is best suited to your circumstances:

• A low level of sedation – you will feel completely relaxed but will not be asleep.
• Moderate sedation – you will feel more relaxed, even drowsy and although not fully asleep, you may not remember much afterward.

Palmetto Dental Arts will choose from a choice of sedation methods:

• Minimal inhaled sedation – you will be asked to breathe ‘laughing gas’ (nitrous oxide) mixed with oxygen via a mask. You will feel relaxed throughout the procedure and as this is not a heavy sedative, you can drive afterward.
• Oral sedation – your dentist can decide on how much of this to use; for a minimal effect, you will just take a pill called Halcion, or similar. Like taking Valium, you will be drowsy and relaxed. Larger doses will make you more sedated and you may even fall asleep during treatment.
• Moderate IV sedation – this is administered through a vein and your dentist will decide on how much sedation you need.

As well as being sedated, your dentist will still apply a local anesthetic into your gum so that you will not feel any pain whilst he works on your teeth.

What are the benefits of Sedation Dentistry?

Being sedated while you have dental work completed brings with it many benefits. Your anxiety will be relieved, you will be less aware or totally unaware of the procedure being carried out and your fear will be a thing of the past.

Who should consider Sedation Dentistry?

If the thought of dental treatment fills you with dread, then sedation dentistry is well worth considering. Whether you have a phobia or something less, by allowing your dentist to sedate you, dental treatment can be carried out quickly and efficiently. Talk to Palmetto Dental Arts about sedation dentistry if you have problems with any of the following:

• A fear of dentists
• Low pain threshold
• Very sensitive teeth
• A gag reflex that causes problems during treatment
• Need to have a vast amount of work carried out