Sleep dentistry: is it the right option for you??

Does the only thought of having your teeth and gums cleaned make you fear with anxiety and nervousness? Would you rather suffer from toothache than visit a dentist’s clinic? If yes then you are not alone. Today, a lot of people are so scared of stepping their foot in a dentist’s office that they prefer not to opt for any dental treatment. So, for people who avoid dentists, sleep dentistry or sedation dentistry may take away some of their stress and anxiety.

But what exactly is sleep dentistry?

Sleep dentistry uses medicines to help people relax during their dental treatments. Sometimes, it’s also referred to as sedation dentistry; however, it’s not entirely correct. The reason is that people undergoing sleep dentistry are usually awake except for those who are under general anesthesia.

Are you an ideal candidate for sleep dentistry?

Your overall healths, mental and physical conditions you may be suffering from at that time are some very important factors that determine if or not you are an ideal candidate for sedation dentistry. Certain health conditions may also require clearance from your general physician that includes hypertension, cardiac disease, respiratory issues, and diabetes. All these conditions must be addressed before giving any type of sedation for a sleep dentistry procedure.

Besides, sleep dentistry may also be appropriate for people who:

• have very sensitive gums and teeth
• have a very low pain limit
• need a large number of dental procedures completed

Children, on the other hand, are given sedation if they are very nervous about going to the dentist or when they don’t cooperate during dental treatment.

Benefits:

There are various advantages of opting for sleep dentistry. Some of the major ones include:

1. Your dentist can work more quickly and efficiently:

Sleep dentistry allows the dentists to work more efficiently and quickly. When you are sedated, your dentist will be able to offer their services more instantly and that too without being worried about your reaction to the treatment. Hence, this means less time at the dentist’s office and better results in less time.

2. It will be easier for you to sit for longer treatments:

Even if you are not terrified, you may still start to get a little bit restless after sitting for long hours in a dentist’s chair- with absolutely nothing to do but look at your dentist’s face and keep your mouth wide open. If you are sedated, on the other hand, your level of consciousness and restlessness will be diminished to a great extent. You won’t have to stress about being bored or even frightened.

So, if you have been postponing some much-needed dental treatments because you are scared and anxious, sleep dentistry is likely an ideal option for you. However, just make sure you consult the best dentists near you who can offer you this service in the right manner. Consider the dentist’s experience, certifications, and reviews, and make your decision very carefully.