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Sleep dentistry refers to dental procedures performed while you’re asleep. It is also known as sedation dentistry.

What is Sleep Dentistry?

Sleep dentistry is when you undergo dental treatment while under general anesthesia. This is different from conscious sedation, in which a patient remains awake but relaxes enough so treatment can be performed. With sleep dentistry, the patient falls asleep and remains unconscious throughout the procedure. This is helpful because it allows your dentist to perform multiple treatments at once, and they don’t have to worry about their patient becoming restless or anxious during a complex procedure. For patients with anxiety about the dentist, this can also be an excellent option because it makes visiting the dentist as relaxing as possible. Sleep dentistry can also be used for patients who have major dental problems that require multiple treatments to be completed.

Sleep Dentistry

While the term “sleep dentistry” seems like it could be a contradiction in terms, it describes certain procedures that are performed in the dentist’s office while you sleep. These procedures can include anything from dental crowns and fillings to tooth extractions. Many patients find that their visits to the dentist are much less painful and stressful if they come in during a time of sedation. Some dentists offer both nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation as options for their patients.

How Does Sleep Dentistry Work?

Sleep dentistry refers to dental procedures that are done while the patient is sedated with anesthesia. Patients who have anxiety or fear about going to the dentist can use sedation dentistry to ease their worries and stay relaxed during procedures. Patients report that they feel more confident about their dental care when they use this form of sedation.

While any patient who needs to undergo invasive dental treatments can benefit from using sedation dentistry, it is especially helpful for those who suffer from severe dental fears or anxiety. Many regular patients also use sedation dentistry to get rid of the jitters before a regularly-scheduled procedure. Some patients have even reported that they look forward to visiting the dentist because they feel relaxed and calm during treatment.

Procedures Performed Under Sleep Dentistry

Some of the most common procedures that are performed during sleep dentistry include dental implants, tooth extractions, root canal therapy, and gum disease treatment. These are often lengthy and complicated procedures, and many patients report that they feel more relaxed undergoing them while they are sleeping rather than awake. These medications are administered to help the patient feel more relaxed. When a patient is under general anesthetic, he or she will be completely unconscious during the procedure and will not experience any pain or discomfort. This is often referred to as sleep dentistry or general anesthesia for dental procedures.

Patients who are undergoing these procedures should know that they will not be able to drive home after the appointment and that they will need to arrange for a friend or family member to take them home after their procedure has taken place. They should also know that they will have to follow special instructions given to them by their doctor regarding what they should do after the procedure. 

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