Sleep/Sedation Dentistry Specialist

What is sleep dentistry?

Also called sedation dentistry, sleep dentistry uses sedation techniques to enable patients to sleep during their dental procedures, alleviating the anxiety and even fear many patients experience when having some types of dental procedures performed.

What types of sedation are available?

Centerpoint Advanced Restorative and Esthetic Dentistry can offer full range of sedation and anesthesia including:

• nitrous oxide or “laughing gas,” which is breathed to help patients feel relaxed
• oral sedation uses pills designed to reduce anxiety and help patients feel more relaxed
• IV moderate sedation, also called conscious sedation, which uses medicine delivered through an IV to help patients sleep through the procedure with few or no memories of the procedure
• Deep sedation and/or General anesthesia: Patients with extreme fear may feel more comfortable with deep sedation and/or general anesthesia, which provides a state somewhere between consciousness and unconsciousness. In this state, patients cannot respond to commands and may need breathing assistance. This level of sedation is most commonly used for the most fearful patients that cannot be successfully sedated with traditional sedative medications. This type of sedation can only be performed by a physician or dentist anesthesiologist or by an oral surgeon.

Is laughing gas safe?

Yes, when administered by a trained dental professional, laughing gas is completely safe, and it can be easily adjusted to suit the needs of the patient. When treatment is complete, oxygen will be pumped through the mask so the sedative effects can be eliminated within just a few minutes. Laughing gas helps patients feel sleepy and relaxed while also causing some patients to feel as if they are floating.

What does conscious sedation feel like?

Most patients who have conscious or IV sedation have no memories of their procedures. While patients do sleep during the procedure, they are still able to respond to specific commands, such as “open wider.” Once the procedure is over, the IV will be removed and you will feel drowsy for a few hours afterward.

Will I be able to drive myself home after being sedated?

No, no matter which type of sedation you have, you will need to have someone drive you home, and you may also want to plan to rest and nap throughout the remainder of the day while the sedative effects wear off, especially with oral sedation and IV sedation.