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Oral Sedation / Sleep Dentistry
Sometimes a visit to the dental office causes people to feel anxious. If you usually have a hard time getting through a dental procedure because of nerves or anxiety, you can relax -- Dr. Neil J. Gajjar and his team offer an option that could help put you at ease.
Conscious Sedation -- also known as Sleep Dentistry -- is quickly gaining popularity. It's when a patient receives medication to relieve their anxiety and minimize any discomfort during a dental visit.
Almost any adult or child is a candidate for Sleep Dentistry. It's particularly useful for people with a fear of dental visits, or people with a history of anxiety/panicking, but it's also preferred by people who would simply rather not be "aware" during a procedure.
The sedative medication is administered orally or by intravenous (or both), and the patient enters a state of dreamy sleepiness. Some patients fall asleep, while others remain awake but don't notice or care about the dental work being performed.
Patients are allowed to go home following the procedure, but cannot drive for the rest of the day -- and must be accompanied by a responsible adult. The medication wears off very quickly, but could leave you feeling unsteady for the first few hours.
Please contact Dr. Neil J. Gajjar at our Mississauga dental practice today to learn more about Sleep Dentistry, and how it could make your visits more comfortable.
FAQs -- Click to reveal the answers to Sleep Dentistry questions
What do I need to know before the procedure?
You are not allowed to eat or drink for 12 hours prior to your procedure. You will need to wear short sleeves, and you need to arrange for a drive home from the procedure.
What happens during the procedure?
You'll be given an oral sedative just before the procedure to relax you. We'll take your vital signs and begin an I.V., which will provide you with addition sedation. You may also receive "freezing," depending on the procedure. You'll enter a dreamy, euphoric state, and may or may not fall asleep. Your mouth and jaw muscles will be relaxed while we work on your teeth, and you won't realize -- or won't care -- what is being done. A nurse will monitor you carefully the entire time, ensuring your total comfort.
What happens after the procedure?
You may feel a bit unsteady on your feet, but the medication wears off fairly quickly. You must be accompanied home by a responsible adult, and you cannot drive for the rest of the day. Once you're at home, you should rest quietly, but you can eat normally (providing you don't have dietary restrictions because of your procedure).
How do children respond to Sleep Dentistry?
Sleep Dentistry is a great solution for children who are anxious or fearful of dental procedures, or for children who simply could not remain still and calm during a procedure. Younger children may receive oral sedation only, or oral sedation with nitrous oxide, but these options will be discussed with parents in the initial consultation. After the procedure, children should be closely monitored, because they will feel unsteady and could be at risk for falling and injuring themselves.
Does my dental insurance cover Sleep Dentistry?
It depends on your coverage, but most dental plans cover sedation when administered with oral surgery. We would be happy to help you understand your available coverage, so please ask us at your next appointment.