Today, patients can have a level of sedation dentistry for regular teeth cleanings to tooth extractions. As a sedation dentist, we pay close attention to the procedure and give the patient advice on the level of sedation the patient needs to get through the procedure. Since we do not want the patient to go to sleep unnecessarily, we will ensure we only give the necessary to calm the patient for the procedure. In some cases, complete unconsciousness may be necessary. In most regular maintenance cases, we simply need to help the patient relax. Since the patient can also choose what level of sedation he or she is comfortable with, below are the four levels that we typically use as a sedation dentist.
General anesthesia is the most impactful of the sedation methods in which the patient is completely unconscious. We do not prefer this method unless it is a serious procedure. With the more intensive procedures, we will require someone to take the patient home since the patient will need more time for the anesthesia to wear off.
Unlike with general anesthesia, deep sedation has the individual fall asleep. Typically this is a very light sleep, which holds patients on the edge of consciousness. If need be, the sedation dentist can easily wake the patient up from this kind of sleep.
Moderate sedation is the first level of sedation where we truly sedate the patient but have the patient stay awake. The patient will feel the effects of the sedation and may not remember much of the procedure despite being awake.
This is used for many minor procedures because you are completely awake and aware, but the sedation makes you completely relaxed and able to let go of all your anxiety.
With sedation dentistry, the dentist will use laughing gas, medication, or other methods to let you relax. It is often known as sleep dentistry although you will not be asleep during the procedure in general. You will often stay awake but be in a more relaxed state. Unless you have general anesthesia, you will be…
In an effort to help people who get nervous about going for an oral exam, some dentists provide sedation to help their patients relax. The type of sedation used includes nitrous oxide, oral sedatives, anesthesia and IV sedation.Dental IV sedation, which is also known as conscious sedation, is the use of sedatives to make you…
We can help make regular checkups or complex procedures less stressful with sedation dentistry. Call us for details.As a sedation dentist, we offer patients who struggle with anxiety at the dentist an alternative. Sedation methods can be short-term and will not have too long of an effect after the appointment is complete.Sedation DentistAt St. George…
As a sedation dentist, we make it possible for people to get dental work done that have been unable to visit the dentist. For a number of Americans, sedation dentistry, is the answer to a life-long fear of the dentist chair. Studies have shown that somewhere between 5% and 8% of Americans have never visited…
Oral hygiene is crucial to maintaining overall health, and flossing plays a significant role in keeping our gums healthy and free from plaque. Traditionally, dental floss has been the go-to tool for cleaning those hard-to-reach areas between teeth. However, with the advent of technology, water flossers like the Waterpik have emerged as an innovative alternative.…
Do you notice an unusual odor when you smile or speak? It could be a sign of something serious—a dead tooth. While often overlooked, the unique smell is a common indicator of underlying dental issues. At St. George Dental Care, we believe that understanding oral health problems is the first step toward treatment. In this…