The dentist is a common fear for children, but many adults continue to dread going to the point where it gives them anxiety.
As a result, many people avoid the dentist at the expense of their oral health. The irony is that the longer you avoid the dentist, the worse your dental problems become, resulting in more painful procedures.
What if there was a way to get your regular dental checkup without worrying about the procedure? That’s where sleep dentistry comes in.
Keep reading to learn more about sleep dentistry, its safety, and whether it’s worth considering for your dental procedures.
What Is Sleep Dentistry?
Sleep dentistry or sedation dentistry uses anesthesia to relax patients and put them to sleep during dental procedures.
Sleep dentistry is unique from conscious sedation and other sedation dentistry because sleep density involves being put totally “to sleep.” In contrast, sedation dentistry doesn’t necessarily mean you’re unconscious.
Sleep dentistry can be used for all types of procedures, from heavy extractions to simple teeth cleanings.
This all sounds good, but is sleep dentistry safe? Let’s find out.
Is Sleep Dentistry Safe?
Sleep dentistry is safe and is regularly used by dental professionals every day.
However, it’s essential to understand that there is always a risk associated with anesthesia. The risk is higher for people with other health problems, such as those who are obese or have obstructive sleep apnea.
That said, the risk is minimal as long as an experienced dentist gives you the anesthesia. If you have any concerns, you should talk to your doctor before undergoing dental sedation if you have any concerns.
Now that you know that sleep dentistry is safe, let’s explore the benefits of undergoing sleep dentistry for your dental work.
What Are the Benefits of Sleep Dentistry?
There are a variety of benefits of using sleep dentistry. To give you an idea, here are just a few ways that it can increase your dental experience.
Less anxiety
One of the top reasons people choose sleep dentistry is because it reduces the anxiety you may experience at the dentist.
A fear of the dentist is common, even in adults. Suppose you are anxious every time you visit the dentist. In that case, you might present a lot of resistance, which may prevent your dental professional from doing their job, lengthen your appointment time, or avoid the dentist altogether.
Sedation reduces the anxiety you may experience when going to the dentist, making the visit easier for your mental health and making it easier for your dentist to do their job.
You won’t remember
Another of the top reasons to choose sleep dentistry is that you won’t remember most of the experience.
Sometimes memories are our worst enemy and cause fear, resulting in a domino effect. If you remember the trauma of your last dental visit, it may give you additional anxiety for your next one or cause you to delay any further dental work.
If you don’t remember your dental procedure, it minimizes the trauma you may experience, making it easier to face the dentist and get the dental work you need as soon as possible.
Minimizes pain
Many dental procedures are painful, so dentists and oral surgeons regularly use sedation and anesthesia. However, several procedures, such as teeth cleanings, should cause little to no pain. Nonetheless, many people experience pain during simple procedures such as these.
A lot of the pain we experience is mental. So even if you don’t experience any pain at the dentist, just the fact that you anticipate pain may cause your brain to make it happen.
If you tend to do this or generally have very low pain tolerance, sleep dentistry may be the solution to minimize any pain you experience during any dental procedure, whether it be a cleaning or extraction.
Consolidate dental procedures
One of the best arguments for sleep dentistry that benefits you and your dentist is that it is easier to perform more than one dental procedure at a time.
Let’s say you need a cavity filled and a cleaning. Doing both in one sitting can be a lot on an anxious patient, as it’s uncomfortable and even painful. As a result, it’s stressful for your dentist and can make it more challenging to perform either procedure.
However, with dental sedation, you can stay in the chair for longer as you’re relaxed and not moving, making it easy for your dentist to work efficiently. As a result, you can get all the dental work you need all at once and save money on the procedures.
Is Sleep Dentistry Right For You?
Sleep dentistry is an excellent option, but it isn’t the best choice for every patient or every dental treatment. After learning everything about this dentistry method, you might now wonder: Is sleep dentistry right for you? It depends on how you answer the following questions:
- How much anxiety does going to the dentist give you?
- Are you willing to undergo anesthesia for every dental visit?
- Are you comfortable with not remembering your dental care or treatment?
Sleep dentistry may be your solution, depending on how you answer these questions.
Recap: Sleep Dentistry Is a Great Sedation Option
For those who have a phobia of going to the dentist, sleep dentistry serves as a way to settle dental anxiety and ensure that your teeth receive the care they need.
At Shelburne Village Dental, we ensure that your sleep dentistry experience is safe and efficient. Contact our office today if you think sleep dentistry is right for your next dental appointment.
