What is sleep & sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry describes the use of an anesthetic to gently help patients relax and experience pain-free treatments at the dentist. Sedation dentistry in Burlington is preferred for patients who require more invasive treatment procedures or for patients who become extremely anxious before a dental procedure. There are different options when it comes to anesthetics and sedation dentistry. Your dentist will discuss the upcoming procedure, your needs and your medical background before selecting which type of sedation will be best for you.

How does sedation dentistry in Burlington work?

Sedation anesthetics are typically administered intravenously because this method allows for precise dosing and for the sedative effects to happen quickly. With an intravenous already in place, administering further medications (if required) is also much easier. If a patient is anxious about needles, we can prescribe a sedative pill instead or we can administer a numbing patch to reduce the sensations that sometimes accompany the IV. Our office also offers sedation dentistry for our Burlington patients in the form of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation. We want our patients to be comfortable, calm and pain-free during their visit to our office, making sedation dentistry an excellent tool for the job.

Patient monitoring during sedation dentistry

Our office in Burlington has a dental anesthesiologist who administers the sedation and monitors our patients during their procedure. All vital signs, including oxygen saturation, heart rate, EKG, blood pressure and breathing are monitored closely to ensure our patients safety. Dental anesthesia and sleep dentistry have a successful track record, which is why it is routinely used in many modern dentistry procedures and treatments. Rest assured that our dentists have received all the proper training and certification to ensure our patients health and safety throughout any procedure. Remember that during your consultation it is important to notify your dentist if you are taking any medications or suffering from any health problems.

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What is sedation dentistry used for?

There are different types of sedation available to our patients that are best suited for a variety of uses. Sedation dentistry can be used to take the edge off appointment anxiety or it can be used to put our patients to sleep during longer or more invasive treatment procedures. Dental surgery is a common reason for sedation and sleep dentistry to be used. Anxiety is also a common reason for us to prescribe sedation because a stress-free patient allows us to work quicker and more effectively. Patients who have an uncommonly strong gag reflex or those visiting us for lengthy and difficult appointments are also candidates to receive dental sedation.

We encourage all our patients to seek information and understand sedation dentistry. This will help patients (together with their dentist) make an informed decision on whether it is right for them. Your dentist is available for a consultation to help guide you through your options and make experienced recommendations.

For more answers to frequently asked questions regarding dental sedation, please click here.

What can I expect during sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry involves the use of medication to help patients relax and feel more comfortable during dental procedures. Before the procedure, the dentist will review the patient’s medical history to determine the best type of sedation. The options may include oral sedation, nitrous oxide gas, or intravenous (IV) sedation. During the procedure, the patient will be closely monitored to ensure their safety and comfort. The medication used in sedation dentistry can cause drowsiness and reduce anxiety, which can make it easier for the patient to tolerate the procedure. After the procedure, patients may feel groggy or have temporary amnesia, so it is important to have a responsible adult accompany them home. Overall, sedation dentistry can be an effective solution for patients who experience dental anxiety or have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time during dental procedures.

Questions to ask your dentist before sedation dentistry

What type of sedation dentistry do you offer, and which one is right for me?

How will I feel during and after the sedation? Will I be able to communicate during the procedure?

What are the potential risks and side effects of sedation dentistry?

What type of training and certification do you and your team have in administering sedation dentistry?

Will I need someone to accompany me to and from the appointment?

How long will the effects of the sedation I receive during my procedure last?

Will I still be able to receive local anesthesia for the dental procedure?

Are there any foods or drinks I should avoid before the appointment?

Can I take my regular medications before or after the sedation?

What should I do if I experience any discomfort or side effects after the procedure?

Please contact our office for more information:

    Please contact our office for more information: