What is Sleep or Sedation Dentistry?
Our Beverly Hills Sedation Dentistry or Sleep Dentistry is a form of dentistry that involves the use of drugs to assist a patient in relaxing during a dental procedure. Studies have established that nearly 20% of American suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobia. This form of anxiety makes a person avoid dental procedures at all cost.
This unwarranted fear of dental procedures can lead to deteriorating dental health since the patient will keep on skipping dental appointments, dental exams, and preventive dental care. Fortunately, there is hope for people suffering from dental anxiety. Advancements in the field of dentistry have led to the emergence of techniques that assist patients in calming and relaxing even during lengthy dental procedures. These procedures offer the utmost comfort during treatment.
Dentists recommend two visits per year for a dental checkup. The appointments are necessary to determine any risks to dental health, to establish and treat any dental conditions as well as recommending preventive dental care. These recommended visits may not be possible if the patient suffers from anxiety or any other condition that may deter them from visiting their dentist. Sedation dentistry is essential to solving this problem.
The administration of medication for sedation or sleep dentistry can be through the oral route or intravenous (IV). For sedation dentistry to be effective, it has to be administered by doctors who have the necessary training and experience. These medications can lead to adverse effects if administered by unqualified personnel.
Sedation or sleep dentistry is ideal for patients who have extreme phobia and anxiety and cannot stand any dental procedure. Patients who suffer from severe gag reflexes and those who require advanced dental procedures will benefit immensely from sedation dentistry. The patients will benefit from comfort and relaxation and can undergo several dental procedures in a single appointment. Though sedation dentistry is an extra expense, it’s worth the cost.
Besides offering comfort to patients, the dentist also benefits from being able to complete several dental procedures in one visit. It is rewarding on the side of the doctor to be able to eliminate several dental conditions in one visit.
Causes of dental anxiety
Dental anxiety is an uncomfortable feeling that an individual experiences every time they visit or want to visit a dentist. This form of stress can arise from childhood experiences that extend to adulthood. Some leading causes of dental anxiety include;
• Past Experiences
If you have ever had a nasty experience in a dental clinic, it can lead to dental anxiety. This can be an experience when you were young. The experience can make you avoid dental visits which may lead to poor dental health.
• Fear of pain
Patients who suffer from dental anxiety usually associate dental procedures with pain and discomfort. Dr. Raanan helps patients with dental anxiety experience anxiety-free dental procedures through sedation dentistry.
• Loss of control
Dental anxiety can result from loss of control. The patient feels helpless, and they are anxious about what will happen when they visit their dentists. Sedation dentistry is essential to help the patients relax.
• Poor dental health
Patients who have discolored teeth or other manifestations of poor oral health may develop dental anxiety. They feel that the dentist will criticize them for the poor state of their teeth. The dentist needs to reassure the patient that their work is to assist them to improve their oral health.
Every dentist must take time to establish the cause of dental anxiety and phobia before choosing the appropriate sedation method. If any of these points apply to you and you’re seeking sedation dentistry Beverly Hills dentist, Dr. Raanan, can get you smiling again.
Types of dental sedation
Oral sedation
Oral sedation is also referred to as “conscious sedation.” The patient takes a pill or several pills before the dental procedure as prescribed by the doctor. The tablets one takes depends on the types of procedure. Oral sedation allows you to be awake during the process. This form of sedation is perfect for patients suffering from severe anxiety.
Your doctor can decide to put you on machines that measure your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing after evaluating your medical status. Though the patient is awake during the dental procedure, they hardly remember anything that went on during the procedure. If your dentist puts you under oral sedation, you will need the help of a family member, taxi or friend to get home. Oral sedation leaves you sleepy, but you will wake up fresh the following morning.
Laughing Gas
Laughing gas is one of the oldest methods of sedation. It is also referred to as nitrous oxide. The gas is administered through nasal apparatus that enable the patient to breathe the gas. Its effects are not long lasting, and they fade away quickly once you stop breathing the gas. Unlike the oral sedation, patients under laughing gas can safely drive home after the procedure.
The effects of laughing gas are almost immediate. After around 30 minutes of breathing the gas, the patient will start enjoying the relaxation effects. Though some patients only require laughing gas to relax, others may require a combination of methods to achieve their desired relaxation effect.
IV sedation
Two types of IV sedation exist. Twilight IV sedation and general anesthesia.
With Twilight IV sedation the patient is conscious but is unable to remember any moment about the dental procedure once it is over. The patient is awake but unaware of his or her surroundings. The dentist can wake the patient if they wish to do so.
General anesthesia is not commonly used for dental procedures, rather only used for challenging issues. It is also advised for patients who may not respond to other methods of sleep dentistry. A patient under general sedation is unconscious. This is a complicated medical procedure that requires the input of an anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist to administer the sedative and keep a check on the patient’s vital signs.
How do I choose the ideal sedation dentistry treatment?
As a patient, you can only benefit from sedation dentistry if you share your concerns and fears with your dentist. The dentist is in a better position to understand the sedation method that will be suitable for you.
Patients who are at risk of severe pain and discomfort from dental procedures are excellent candidates for sleep dentistry. Dental sedation is the best way to conquer pain and anxiety during dental procedures.
What are the benefits of sedation dentistry?
Sleep dentistry has benefits to both the doctor and the patient. Below are some common benefits of sleep dentistry.
• Eliminates pain
One of the main reasons that make certain patients evade dental procedures is the pain and discomfort associated with these procedures. The medication used will allow the patient to stay calm without fear of pain and discomfort.
• Saves time
Sedation dentistry allows a dentist to carry out dental procedures on the patient faster. It is easier to work on a sedated patient. Besides saving time, the doctor can accomplish several dental procedures in one visit, which is beneficial to both the patient and doctor.
• The patient is relaxed
Doctors find difficulties attending to patients who have no control such as those with ADHD or Parkinson’s disease. The medication administered will limit movements in the patient and allow the doctor to undertake the dental procedure with ease as the patient is relaxed.
• Affordability
Sleep dentistry is accessible to many patients due to its affordability. Most procedures used in sedation dentistry are not costly.
Disadvantages of sedation dentistry
If you are not a fan of medications, you may not like sedation dentistry. The procedure involves the use of anesthesia, drugs and nitrous oxide and some patients may not be comfortable using these substances. Common drawbacks of sedation dentistry include;
• Lack of insurance coverage
Unlike most dental procedures, sedation dentistry is not covered by dental insurance. This will mean that the patient has to pay for the service from their pockets. This can be a limiting factor for patients who would like to use the procedure.
• Adverse effects
The medications, anesthesia, and gas used in sleep dentistry present different tolerability levels in different patients. Individuals react differently to these substances based on their tolerance levels. Then the dentist must take caution to determine the sedation the patient requires avoiding any adverse effects.
• Contraindications
The substances used in sedation dentistry might interact with other medications used by the patient leading to unexpected side effects. It is necessary for the patient to disclose any drugs they may be used to avoid these side effects.
How to select the best sedation dentist?
Sedation dentistry is necessary for patients with dental phobias, patients seeking comfort during dental procedures or those who are likely to undergo complex dental procedures. Sleep dentistry should be administered by trained and experienced practitioners. These pointers will permit you to locate a suitable sedation dentist.
Your dentist’s credentials
Before you select your ideal sedation dentist, ensure they have the right training for sleep dentistry. Besides, they should be registered by the dental board in your local state. This will serve as proof that they offer quality sedation dentistry services.
Research on the types of sedation dentistry
As you select your Beverly Hills sedation dentist, you should take time to learn about the various methods used in this procedure. For example, you should note that you require the services of an anesthesiologist if you are put under general anesthesia. Know the different types of sleep dentistry such as laughing gas, IV sedation, and oral Sedation.
Consider their experience
Experience is critical for a dentist. A dentist who has been practicing for a long time is better placed to offer quality services to their patients. The dentist of choice should be able to disclose how long they have been in practice. This information can also be accessed from their website as well as from the an accredited dental board.
First, go for a consultation.
Before making your choice, it is essential first to visit the dentist for a consultation. They will do a thorough checkup and advise on what should be done. After the visit, you can make your decision based on the discussion and what the dentist went over with you. This is an excellent way to learn more about the dentist.
Specialization
A choice dentist for sedation dentistry should have undergone postgraduate training on sedation dentistry. The dentist should also prove that they have undergone continuous studies on the latest technologies in sedation dentistry. IV sedation and pediatric sedation are complex forms of sedation that require advanced training.
The dentist should consider your general health.
As highlighted previous IV sedation requires the input of an anesthesiologist to monitor your vital signs, besides substances used in sleep dentistry can interact with other medication taken by the patient resulting in serious side effects. Though your dentist is specialized in sedation dentistry, they must pay attention to your overall body health.
Your dentist should seek consent for the procedure.
Before the procedure, your dentist must inform you of the benefits and risk of sedation dentistry and allow you to sign the consent form after they have addressed any concerns you may have about the procedure.
Communication
You should not be coaxed to make rash decisions about medical procedures. An ideal dentist must at all times communicate with their patients and ensure that they have understood the medical procedures. Ask any question you have and let the dentist answer satisfactorily before you make your decision.
Honesty
Your ideal dentist must be honest. They should not promise what they can’t deliver. They should equip you with information on what to expect after the procedure and why sedation dentistry is necessary to you as a patient.
The best sedation dentistry practitioner
Now that you have learned about what sedation dentistry entails and how to select your ideal sedation dentist, I take the pleasure to introduce you to one of the best sedation dentist in Beverly Hills – Dr. Raanan. He has been in practice for years and understands what is best for his patients.
For all your dental needs, you have a trusted doctor who will ensure that you enjoy anxiety-free dental services. You can book your appointment with Dr. Raanan to discuss the best sedation dentistry method suitable for your case.
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