The titles ‘Sleep Dentistry’ and ‘Sedation Dentistry’ are often understood by dental patients to mean the same thing, but they actually refer to two separate services, each with different levels of sedation and patient awareness. Sleep Dentistry and Sedation Dentistry both manage dental anxiety, but differ in consciousness levels. Both methods provide pain-free, comfortable dental treatment experiences. Both options require a driver for the patient following the appointment.
Here is a clarification of the difference between the two procedures, when each is indicated, and the methods used.
SLEEP DENTISTRY
Sleep Dentistry typically refers to deep sedation or general anesthesia, where the patient is completely or nearly unconscious during the dental procedure and has no awareness of the treatment. Indications for use include
- Severe dental phobia
- Extensive dental surgery and complex procedures lasting several hours
- Very young patients and patients unable to cooperate or receive dental treatment due to challenges with physical or emotional limitations
- Extreme gag reflex
Sleep Dentistry requires the administration of a general anesthetic and so must be performed only by a licensed and certified Dental Anesthesiologist or an Oral Maxillo-Facial Surgeon.
Dr. Kal Khaled holds a Masters Degree and certification in Dental Anaesthesia. Dr. Khaled is also ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certified and PALS (Paediatric Advanced Life Support) certified. He is assisted in Sleep Dentistry procedures by Nurses who have extensive nursing, hospital, emergency and surgical experience.
The level of sedation is adjusted, based on the needs of each patient.
SEDATION DENTISTRY
Generally, the patient is awake, conscious, and able to respond to commands. Sedation Dentistry commonly employs nitrous oxide gas or orally administered drugs, in pill or liquid form, to help patients relax and keeps patients awake with a mild to moderate level of sedation.
Indications for use include
- Common for mild to moderate anxiety around dental treatments
- Less complicated or less invasive procedures
- Problematic gag reflexes
IN SUMMARY
Sleep Dentistry means deep sedation under general anesthesia, where patients are fully asleep, or unconscious during treatment.
Sedation Dentistry helps patients relax and feel no pain while remaining conscious.
Contact the friendly and knowledgeable team at Southcity Dental today to discuss your specific needs.