Types of Sedation Dentistry

More about Sleep Dentistry...

Sleep Dentistry is the use of medically administered and supervised intravenous (IV) sedation. It is often referred to as Twilight Sleep or Twilight Sedation; or Conscious Sedation. It is the most advanced form of dental sedation available and uses a combination of sedative and pain relieving drugs to create a drowsy and dream-like state of deep, calming relaxation for the entire duration of your dental procedure. It is a modern, safe and highly effective technique that will make your visit to the dentist a relaxing, comfortable and enjoyable experience. Read also Sedation dentistry

Although you may have been unaware that it is available, once Sleep Dentistry is experienced you will have an entirely new, positive and relaxed outlook when you next see the dentist.

It is safer than a general anesthetic and does not require hospitalization. You can have Sleep Dentistry l while comfortably resting in the dentist’s chair.

During Sleep Dentistry you are in a very calm and relaxed state and breathing entirely on your own without assistance or artificial ventilation.

Sleep Dentistry begins even before the dentist gives you the first needles and is precisely adjusted, tailored and modified to each patient’s individual needs.

You are ready to go home after only a short waking up period, usually 20-30 minutes, and there is neither hangover nor any other unpleasant side effects, still is recommended not to drive immediately after the procedure.

What to do before you arrive?

There are 4 basic and simple things you need to do prior to arriving on the day of your appointment. Each one is required for a specific reason and it is very important that you follow these instructions exactly:

Fasting: Please ensure that you have nothing to eat for 6 hours before your scheduled appointment. This includes lollies and chewing gum and milk (even in coffee and tea). Do not have anything to drink for two hours before your appointment (not even water). If your appointment is in the morning, this may mean nothing to eat or drink from midnight the night before. If you have an afternoon appointment it may be OK to have a small snack or meal beforehand but you must finish it no less than 6 hours prior to your treatment. If in doubt, DON’T EAT! If you are not properly fasted, your appointment may have to be rescheduled.

Medications: It is important to take your usual medications at the time you would normally take them – even if this is within the fasting period. In this case, a small sip of water to swallow your pills is permissible. The main (and very important) exception to this is if you are diabetic – generally speaking, you must not take your insulin, or diabetic pills if you are intending to not eat and drink. If this applies to your situation, we recommend that you talk to Dr Belford about this beforehand so that a plan may be worked out for your medications before and after sedation. Most other medicines can and should be taken. If you have any doubts or concerns about this please contact our surgery.

Loose comfortable clothing: Please wear comfortable clothing – most dental treatments are prolonged. You should wear short sleeves, or else sleeves that can be loosely rolled all the way up your arm. This is to allow a blood pressure cuff to be fitted to your upper arm on one side, and a tourniquet to be applied to the other side so that a cannula can be placed. You should not wear one-piece outfits – sometimes an adhesive patch needs to be placed on the side of your rib cage under your shirt or blouse. Don’t worry about being cold – you will be covered by a heat-preserving space blanket during the procedure to keep you warm and comfortable.

Getting home: After the procedure is finished you will have a brief recovery period after which you can go straight home. You must be accompanied home by a responsible adult. Under no circumstances will you be able to drive home from the dentist – or for the rest of the day. You cannot walk home (even if it is close) nor can you go by bus. It is permissible to go home by taxi, but even then only in the company of a responsible adult friend or relative (not the taxi driver!) If you have not made arrangements to be accompanied home, your procedure may have to be rescheduled.