Sleep Dentistry: The Solution to Dental Anxiety

Are you one of the many people who dread going to the dentist?

Do you feel anxious or uneasy at the thought of a dental procedure?

If so, you’re not alone. Many people experience dental anxiety or phobia, making it difficult to receive the care they need.

Fortunately, sleep dentistry can help ease your fears and make dental procedures more comfortable.

In this article, we’ll explore what sleep dentistry is, how it works, and its benefits to patients.

So, if you’re curious about this innovative dental practice and want to learn more, read on!

Sleep (sedation) dentistry

Sleep dentistry, also known as sedation dentistry, is a dental practice that involves sedatives to help patients relax during dental procedures.

This practice has gained immense popularity recently due to its numerous benefits to patients suffering from dental anxiety or phobia.

Dr. Tsai and his team believe everyone deserves a comfortable and stress-free experience during their dental visits.

That is why we offer sleep dentistry as an option to all our patients who feel nervous or uneasy about dental procedures.

How does sleep dentistry work?

During sleep dentistry, patients are given sedatives that help them relax and fall into a sleep-like state.

These sedatives can be administered in different ways, depending on the patient’s needs and the type of procedure being performed.

For example, oral sedation involves taking a pill before the procedure, while intravenous sedation includes administering the sedative through a vein.

Once the sedative takes effect, the patient will feel extremely relaxed and calm, and they will be able to respond to verbal commands but not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.

After the procedure, the sedative’s effects will gradually wear off, and the patient will need someone to drive them home.

Benefits of sleep dentistry

Sleep dentistry offers several benefits to patients who suffer from dental anxiety or phobia. Some of the most significant benefits include the following:

Reduced anxiety and stress

One of the primary benefits of sleep dentistry is that it helps patients feel more relaxed and less anxious during dental procedures. This can be especially helpful for patients with dental phobia or anxiety, making it difficult to receive the care they need.

Increased comfort

Sleep dentistry can also help increase a patient’s comfort during dental procedures. Since they will be in a sleep-like state, they will not feel any pain or discomfort, which can help make the procedure more pleasant.

More efficient procedures

Sleep dentistry can also make dental procedures more efficient. Since the patient is relaxed and calm, the dentist can work more efficiently and effectively, which can help reduce the time it takes to complete the procedure.

Is sleep dentistry safe?

Sleep dentistry is a safe and effective dental practice, and it has been used for many years to help patients with dental anxiety or phobia.

However, it is important to note that there are some risks associated with sedation dentistry, such as allergic reactions or breathing problems.

To ensure the safety of our patients, we take several precautions before and during the procedure.

For example, we will ask our patients about their medical history, allergies, and medications to determine whether they are good sleep dentistry candidates.

We will also monitor the patient’s vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure they are stable and safe.

Final thoughts

For patients with dental anxiety or phobia, sleep dentistry is an excellent option.

It can help them feel more relaxed and comfortable during dental procedures, making the process more efficient and effective.

If you want to learn more about sleep dentistry and whether it is right for you, please get in touch with our office to schedule a consultation.

• Existing Patients: (425) 641-5432
• New Patients: (425) 642-1578
• Email us at: admin@completefamilydentistry.com

We proudly serve the Seattle metro area in Bellevue, WA.