Sleep Dentistry
Sleep Dentistry Sydney
Sleep Dentistry Sydney
If anxiety and fear interfere with your oral health, sleep dentistry can help. At Pitt Street Dental Centre in Sydney, our patients’ comfort is priority along with premium quality care. Today’s advancements in dentistry means most treatments cause very little discomfort, but when that isn’t enough, we can offer sleep dentistry to calm anxious patients.
Sleep Dentistry Services
Sleep dentistry is a term for when we use medications or other methods to help the patient relax during a dental treatment. Not all forms of sleep dentistry put you completely to sleep. Some treatments are better known as sedation dentistry or twilight sedation. In any case, the goal is to help the patient relax without stress while the dentist performs the treatment. In most cases, even when awake, patients do not remember the treatment.
Sleep Dentistry vs Sedation Dentistry
Both services help patients overcome anxiety and fear of the dentist. They both refer to the use of methods that induce a sense of deep relaxation or, in some cases, sleep. The goal is to help the patient relax and get the dental treatments they need to restore their oral health. Here are the differences of the two:
Sleep Dentistry
This service puts the patient to sleep with the use of a medication or general anaesthesia. It may be helpful for patients with severe dental anxieties or fears and is sometimes used for more complicated dental procedures such as multiple wisdom teeth extraction or all-teeth-on-4 dental implants.
Sedation Dentistry
This is the more common type of sleep dentistry and may utilise oral medications, happy gas or an intravenous injection (IV) for twilight sedation. The deep state of relaxation helps most patients tolerate most dental treatments and is the preferred method to help with dental anxieties.
The Types of Sleep Dentistry – How Does it Work?
Many patients prefer oral medications, as they are effective and the most cost-effective. Often provided through a prescription, the medication may be taken about an hour before the treatment begins so that it takes full effect.
Nitrous Oxide, or happy gas, is administered with a breathing mask just before the treatment begins. It has a quick onset and wears off just as quick, making it a preferred method for patients who need to relax, but must return to their normal routine right after.
Twilight or IV Sedation Dentistry is administered intravenously into the forearm or the back of the hand, and puts the patient in a deep state of relaxation. It takes time to wear off and you may need to arrange a ride home after your dental treatment.
Sleep dentistry with general anaesthesia must be arranged ahead of time and will be monitored during the entire treatment. You will need to arrange for a ride home after your treatment.
The Benefits of Sleep Dentistry at Pitt Street Dental Centre at Sydney
Many patients have a difficult time with dental treatments due to past negative experiences or phobias to needles or the dentist. When this happens, oral health can deteriorate as gum disease or decay may be left untreated, leading to unnecessary pain and possible tooth loss. Other negative events might include chronic bad breath or pain while eating or brushing.
Sleep dentistry helps patients overcome their fears and anxieties so they can get the treatment they need. It can be used for a tooth extraction, wisdom teeth removal or a root canal treatment. It is also used by some patients who want multiple treatments in one visit, such as removing all four wisdom teeth in one visit or getting multiple dental implants. The following are common situations when sleep dentistry is used:
If you have a dental fear or phobia, please let us know and we can discuss all sleep dentistry options with you. Many patients find that using sleep dentistry helps them overcome their fears as they realise treatments are not an intense as they previous thought. Soon, they need only mild sedation or in many cases, numbing agents are enough to help them continue getting the oral health care they need.
Preparing for Sleep Dentistry
Before your treatment, you will be given specific instructions for the type of sedation you will be using. In most cases, it’s best to avoid certain foods or even fast for a few hours or an entire day. If you require oral sedation, you may need to pick up a prescription and take the prescribed amount before you come in for your treatment.
Your dentist will discuss all of the preparation requirements with you to ensure you understand the procedure and are comfortable with all aspects of your treatment.
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Risks of Sleep Dentistry
Sleep dentistry requires agents such as medications to be administered and just like any medication, there are risks, although they are very low. The most common risks are side effects such as mild nausea, lightheadedness, dizziness, headaches and drowsiness. Ensuring you are well hydrated for a few days before your treatment may help lower these common side effects.
Our team here at Pitt Street Dental Centre only work with Medical Board certified general anaesthesists for your maximum comfort and safety. And with today’s technological advancements, risks associated with modern sedation or sleep dentistry are very low.
Don’t Let Fear Ruin Your Oral Health
If you need dental treatment but are afraid or anxious, call us today and let us help. We will discuss all sleep dentistry options with you as well as your treatment. Our goal is to help you get the best oral health care with the least amount of stress, and we will do all we can to help. Call today and schedule your visit.
Disclaimer: The material posted is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary with each patient. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. If you have any specific questions about any dental and/or medical matter, you should consult your dentist, physician or other professional healthcare providers.
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