Dentist Tukwila

Sedation Dentistry Q & A

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry, often referred to as “sleep” dentistry, allows patients to be sedated with safe medications that promote relaxation during a dental procedure. While patients under general anesthesia are completely asleep and aided in breathing, patients under moderate sedation are in a twilight sleep state where you will be responsive when needed but will have no recollection of the appointment and in control of your own breathing.  Patients often share that they remember discussing the post-treatment care but no recollection of the treatment and feel comfortable going about their day normally the following day.

Am I a candidate for sedation dentistry?

Many people have anxiety and fear when it comes to dental procedures. Sedation dentistry is a convenient option for easing your nerves, whether you need a minor cleaning or a more serious procedure, like wisdom teeth extractions.

You might be a good candidate for sedation dentistry if you have many different dental needs that require several hours of treatment, like repairing bridges or getting dental implants. Or, if the thought of a simple check-up makes you anxious, you might also benefit from sedation dentistry.

To qualify for sedation dentistry services, you should be in good health and have no adverse reactions to sedative drugs.

What happens at my appointment?

Dr. Lee chooses the most appropriate sedative and method of delivery for your procedure. For minimal anxiety, nitrous oxide may be delivered or oral sedation, in the form of a pill, up to an hour before your procedure. For moderate sedation, Dr. Lee provides you with intravenous (IV) medications that administer safe sedative medications to your bloodstream quickly.

He completes the dental work while you are under sedation, so you will feel relaxed and at ease throughout the entire procedure.

What are the benefits of sedation dentistry?

Besides offering you a way to ease your anxiety and fear during dental work, sedation dentistry allows you to turn multiple visits into a single appointment.

Sedation dentistry is also helpful in that you can still communicate and be responsive during a procedure when needed, which means Dr. Lee can communicate with you during the entire process.

As a safe, pain-free, and relaxing alternative to regular dental work, sedation dentistry can help you get the oral health care you need without the debilitating anxiety.

To learn more about sedation dentistry procedures at Pacific Northwest Dental Care, book an appointment online today.