If you have ever felt anxious or nervous about visiting the dentist, you are not alone. Many people experience some level of dental anxiety. Dental phobias and fear of dentists are common occurrences.
Sedation and sleep dentistry have been developed to help even the most anxious patients feel at ease during dental procedures so everyone can have healthy teeth. Some emergency dentistry requires sedation to pull through.
At Mindarie Quinns Dental Centre, Our dentist Joondalup offers sedation and sleep dentistry to help our patients feel relaxed and comfortable during their appointments. With sedation dentistry, you will be able to receive the dental care you need without feeling any anxiety or stress.
What is Sleep Dentistry?
What is Sleep Dentistry?Sleep dentistry, also known as sedation dentistry, uses medication like nitrous oxide, oral sedatives, and IV sedation to help patients relax during dental surgery and procedures. It is a safe and effective way to ensure that patients remain comfortable during their treatment.
Sedation dentistry is ideal for cosmetic dentistry procedures. Sleep dentistry can be used for a variety of oral health procedures like:
- Dental implants
- Tooth extractions
- Crowns and bridges
- Root canals
- Invisalign treatment
Types of Sleep Dentistry
There are various sedation options when getting a dental treatment or oral surgery.
1. Twilight Sedation
Twilight sedation is a type of conscious sedation typically used for people anxious about having dental work done. The medication used is usually a combination of a sedative and a general anaesthetic. It is also sometimes used for people who have difficulty getting numb from local anaesthesia. Unlike general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep, twilight sedation only relaxes you. You will be awake and able to breathe independently, but you may not remember much of what happened during your procedure.
2. Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is moderate sedation that uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. The medication is usually taken by mouth in pill form about an hour before the start of the procedure. Oral conscious sedation is sometimes called “twilight sleep” because it can cause drowsiness and make you feel as though you are in a twilight state between wakefulness and sleep. Oral conscious sedation is often used for patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety, and it can be used for various procedures, including cleanings, fillings, and extractions. Although you will be able to respond to questions and follow instructions during the procedure, you may not remember much about it afterwards.
However, in general dentistry, oral sedation is used for some dental services, whereas some use nitrous oxide or laughing gas.
Sleep Dentistry Procedure
Sleep dentistry is a straightforward procedure. First, at Mindarie Quinns Dental, in Joondalup, we inquire about your medical background when you schedule an appointment with us.
The kind of sedative chosen depends on several criteria, including your age and medical background.
Dental implants, crowns, bridges, gum disease therapy, porcelain veneers, etc., are only a few of the procedures that can benefit from sleep dentistry.
If anesthesia is required, the treatment will be performed in a specialised hospital rather than at a dentist’s office.
The effects of the sedative often continue for a few hours before they begin to wear off.
Sleep dentistry doesn’t necessitate a trip to the hospital.
How Much Does Sleep Dentistry Cost?
Sedation dentistry can be pricey, but how much it costs depends on how much sedation is used and how many visits are needed. Sedation at the dentist is charged by the minute. It usually costs between $500 and $1000 per hour for full IV sedation. After the first hour, the price increases by $150 to $250 every 15 minutes. The person is only charged for the time it takes to put them to sleep. Sometimes the cost of the dental work will go down, which will more than makeup for the extra cost of sedation. When a patient sleeps through the procedures, it’s easier on the patient, and the work can be done quickly and well.
Benefits Of Sleep Dentistry?
There are several benefits of sleep dentistry, including:
- Reduced fear and anxiety: Many people feel anxious about going to the dentist, which can lead to avoiding necessary dental care. Sleep dentistry can help reduce fear and anxiety so that people are more likely to get the care they need.
- Increased comfort: Dental procedures can be uncomfortable, but dental services like sleep dentistry can help make them more tolerable.
- Reduced gag reflex: Some people have a strong gag reflex that makes it difficult to undergo certain dental treatments and procedures. Sleep dentistry can help reduce the gag reflex so that these procedures can be completed more easily.
- Improved cooperation: Children and some adults may not be able to cooperate fully during dental procedures due to fear or anxiety. Sleep dentistry can help with it.
Is Sleep Dentistry Right For You?
Sleep dentistry, also called sedation dentistry, is a great option for patients with dental anxiety or needing multiple procedures done at once. It allows you to be relaxed and comfortable during your appointment so that the dentist can do their job without fear or anxiety. There are different levels of sedation, so you can choose the one that is right for you. Sleep dentistry is safe and effective and can make a big difference in your dental experience.
FAQs
1. How Much Does A Dentist Charge To Put You To Sleep?
Sedation dentistry prices vary depending on patient age, dental office location, and dental insurance. Prices can vary from several hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on the method of sedation used. Oral sedatives and nitrous oxide gas for light sedation typically cost $200-$300.
2. What Happens During Sleep Dentistry?
Intravenous sedation is the most profound form of conscious sedation used in a dental clinic. Your doctor or nurse can quickly and easily provide sedative drugs through an IV line. Your dentist will monitor your vitals, including your blood pressure and oxygen levels, as they do the treatment.
3. Can A Dentist Put You To Sleep For Extraction?
Yes. While this is the most costly choice, you can have your teeth extracted at a dentist or hospital that offers general anesthesia. You will be “put under” if you choose this. That implies you won’t be able to move or react in any way since you won’t be conscious.
4. What Does Sleep Dentistry Feel Like?
Dental sedation is administered to help you relax during the procedure. Dental sedation causes patients to feel tranquil, relaxed, and sleepy. All of the nervousness and tension from having dental work done to melt away.
Conclusion
Sleep dentistry is a great option for those with dental anxiety or needing multiple procedures done at once. It allows you to be relaxed and comfortable during your appointment so that the dentist can do their job without fear or anxiety.
