Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is the term that covers all pain-free dental procedures. Sleep dentistry refers to techniques used that knock you out entirely during the process, just as you would be anesthetized in a hospital for surgery. All sleep dentistry is safe and effective.

The purpose of sedation dentistry is to put you into a relaxed state to eliminate your pain and alleviate your fears. It’s a proven method that allows you to get the dental care you need without causing you undue anxiety. There are four levels of sedation dentistry, from mildest to deepest:

1. Deep. You remain conscious and communicative, but you’re calm and pain-free. Inhaling nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, is usually the way to reach this state. Your dentist puts a mask over your nose and mouth and tells you to breathe. Nitrous oxide isn’t addictive, and it dissipates quickly. You can even drive yourself home after your treatment.
2. Deeper. You may slur your words, but you’re conscious, if not alert. You probably won’t remember anything your dentist does. You get to this level of sedation through a pill, an injection, or an intravenous (IV) drip. Ask a friend to drive you home, as you’ll feel unsteady on your feet.
3. Deepest. At this deepest level of sedation dentistry, you’re not totally under, but you may struggle to speak. Delivered through an IV drip, you definitely won’t feel a thing during your procedure. Afterward, you’ll still feel out of sorts for several hours, so arrange for a ride home.
4. Unconscious. You’re completely unconscious during your dental procedure, so you don’t feel anything. You’ll need time to come out of the haze, and you cannot drive yourself home. The most potent sleep dentistry technique, it’s used rarely, and just for severe cases of anxiety.

Not everyone can admit to a fear of dentists. Do you cancel dentist appointments or purposefully ignore appointment reminders? If you never have trouble coming up with an excuse to skip a dental visit, even when you’re experiencing a toothache, chances are you can benefit from sleep dentistry.

But there are other reasons you may want to try some type of sedation at your dentist’s office in Astoria, NY. For example:

• You have “white coat hypertension,” a condition that raises your blood pressure just by being in a medical or clinical setting.
• You have to undergo a particularly lengthy or commonly painful procedure.
• You just don’t tolerate pain very well.
• You have an overactive gag reflex.
• Your gums are especially sensitive.
• You or a family member can’t sit still for the procedure.

Some people, regardless of their fears, don’t qualify for sedation or sleep dentistry. You can’t be obese, allergic to the anesthesia, or have other health issues. If you suffer from sleep apnea, tell your dentist before your procedure.

Dr. Alexander Bokser, DDS will give you conscious sedation in the hospital or outpatient clinic. The medicine will wear off quickly, so it is used for short, uncomplicated procedures.

You will begin to feel drowsy and relaxed very quickly. If your doctor gives you the medicine to swallow, you will feel the effects after about 30 to 60 minutes.

Your breathing will slow down, and your blood pressure may drop a little. Your health care provider will monitor you every during your procedure to make sure you are okay. We will stay with you at all times during the procedure.

You should not need help with your breathing. But you may receive extra oxygen or nitrous oxide through a mask.
You may fall asleep, but you will wake up easily to respond to people in the room. You may be able to respond to verbal cues.

After conscious sedation, you may feel drowsy and not remember much about your procedure.

First, remember the risks of not seeing your dentist at least twice a year is the threat of gum disease, cavities, tooth infections, and, ultimately, tooth extractions. As for sedation or sleep dentistry, your risks are minimal, as you’ll be in a controlled environment surrounded by professionals. At worst, you’ll feel dizzy for several hours after your procedure, but that fades quickly.

Ask your dentist if your insurance covers sedation dentistry. If not, you may have to pay for it out of your pocket. But our dental practice offers affordable dentistry because they know it’s better to get the treatment you need now than to put it off.

Avoid future pain and extensive dental work by opting for painless dentistry procedures in Astoria, NY. Contact Precision Dental NYC to ask about sedation dentistry and how it can help you get the dental care you need.