Why Choose Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry, also referred to as sleep dentistry, came about as a result of patients avoiding the dentist because of fear or anxiety. If you are one of the 20 percent of Americans that avoid going to the dentist because of fear, you are not alone. But, sedation dentistry may be a tool you can leverage to help erase your fears and stresses before and during dental treatment.

What Sedation Dentistry Offers

Putting off a dental visit or needed treatment can put both your oral health and total body health in jeopardy.  A healthy relationship with your oral care provider is one where you can go and feel at ease so you won’t put off treatment that you need. Being calm and anxiety free during treatment allows both you and your treatment provider a more efficient, beneficial experience.

By the Numbers

Despite the many technological advances that modern times have to offer, millions of people across our nation are putting off dental care out of fear. In fact, some researchers estimate that a staggering 75 million people living in the United States have some level of fear when it comes to dental care. What triggers these fears? General anxiety, a fear of needles or fear of the dental office itself due to traumatic childhood memories and even bad experiences as adults are often to blame. At Stonebrook Family Dental, your comfort is our highest priority.

Taking Fear Out of the Equation

Research shows that fear can weaken a person’s normal threshold for pain.  Pain is anticipated (such dreading those dental needles or more rigorous oral surgery procedures), and the brain triggers an adrenaline spike. Your body tenses, which can challenge both the patient and the dentist during treatment. Sedation dentistry takes fear out of the equation by providing you with a range of painless, unconscious or semi-conscious treatment options.

Sedation Dentistry 101

Sedation dentistry, also known as “sleep dentistry,” provides each patient with different levels of  sedation medicines to relax and experience treatment painlessly. The body and mind can relax under the close supervision of the dental provider.

Sedation dentistry is common among patients that:  

• Suffer from a low pain threshold
• Struggle sitting still in the dentist’s chair
• Are challenged with very sensitive teeth
• Carry a bad gag reflex
• Require an excessive amount of dental work

It is important to note that although most dentists can offer minimal sedation options–such as nitrous oxide or pills–only a small percentage of dental professionals have completed the sedation dentistry accreditation programs for deep sedation and general anesthesia.

What to Expect with Sedation Dentistry

Dr. Varley will work with you, individually, to determine which level of sedation will work best for you. Every sedation option besides IV sedation does not require an injection–good news if you fear needles. Most medicines are given orally via a pill that can be swallowed or that can dissolve under your tongue.  Oral sedations allow patients to experience moderate sedation (sleepy and usually with amnesia) but awake enough to speak and answer questions.

Understanding How Sedation Works

Dr. Varley has been specifically trained in sedation dentistry.  He keeps his skills honed and up-to-date through regular continuing education courses so he can offer you the best medical science and technology can offer.  

Medicines that specifically target fear and anxiety and are known as benzodiazepines. These oral drugs include lorazepam, hydroxyzine, diazepam (valium), triazolam, zaleplon, and midazolam. The names are not as important as what they do for you.

The Popularity of Oral Sedation

Most professionals report that oral sedation dentistry is the most common technique used to ease patient fears.

Oral sedation is one of three options patients have besides intravenous (IV) sedation and nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Taking a pill is quick and effective, it costs less than other options, and you won’t remember much of your dental experience. Oral sedation also allows you administer the medicine yourself, giving you even more control over your dental care.

Call for a Sedation Dentistry Consultation

Don’t put off your dental care and health out of fear. Let sedation dentistry put you at ease. Call our office for a sedation dentistry consultation so you can better understand how it can be the tool you need for regular dental treatment. Stonebrook Family Dental is dedicated to helping our patients–both young and old–build a positive, healthy relationship with their oral health care provider and team.