Sleep Dentistry or Sedation Dentistry - Is It Right For You?
Modern dental treatments typically include some plan for minimizing pain to patients. Along with the traditional approach of deadening the gum around the area where the procedure will take place, the use of sedation or sleep dentistry is a possibility. Here are some things you should know about these options, when they are used, and why they could be just what you need.
The Basics of Sleep and Sedation Dentistry
Sedation and sleep dentistry in Markham are designed to lower the level of consciousness that the patient experiences during a dental procedure. Typically, sedation is used when the patient does need to remain awake enough to respond to simple instructions, such as to keep the mouth open. When sedated, the patient may be vaguely aware that something it taking place but not feel any distress or notice the pain.
Sleep dentistry renders the patient unconscious. While there are oral means of administering an agent to bring about sleep, it can also be managed using IV therapy. Patients usually are conscious and then feel themselves drifting off, much like going to sleep. The next thing they know, they are wakening and the procedure is over.
With both sleep and sedation dentistry approaches, the patient remains groggy for a few hours after the procedure is completed. Most dental professionals instruct patients to bring along a friend or relative who can drive the patient to and from the appointment.
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When Will the Dental Professional Employ These Options?
Sedation and sleep dentistry is typically used with procedures that require more time and are more invasive.For example, if the removal of a tooth will involve surgery, one of these methods will be used. If there is suspicion of some type of cancer in the mouth, sleep or sedation is used to remove the growth and extract a sample for a biopsy. Should the patient be receiving dental implants, it’s not unusual for the patient to receive what is known as conscious sedation followed by anesthetic injected directly into the gums. The anesthetic is injected after the patient begins to feel the effects of the sedation, ensuring there is no pain.
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What Can You Expect During and After the Use of Sleep or Sedation Dentistry?
With either option, the patient is highly unlikely to remember the procedure itself. Pain immediately after the procedure is rare. The more likely scenario is that the discomfort will set in as the anesthetic and the sedation wear off in the hours to come. At that point, most family dentists recommend taking the pain medication prescribed and possible taking an over the counter anti-inflammatory to help with fever, swelling, and soreness. The two medications should be taken at alternate intervals and not at the same time.
Are you about to undergo some type of invasive dental procedure? Talk with your dental professional about the options for sleep or sedation as part of the process. Depending on the nature of the procedure, the use of one or the other may be best for everyone involved.
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See what our patients are saying:
Everyone here is very friendly and provides excellent care. I received a full exam on my first visit, and everyone took time to answer my questions and ensured I felt comfortable the entire time - exactly what you want when visiting the dentist. I highly recommend Markham Smile Centre for anyone looking for great dental care.
There is an ample parking space before you get into the office. The receptionists welcome us friendly with proper COVID-19 procedures in place. The staff worked with patient very patiently and professionally. My teeth cleaning was done by Ying, she explained every detail to me and I did not feel any pain or uncomfortable at all. Thanks to the best team !
It's been a while since I've been to a dentist but I'm trying to get back on track with health in general. Overall it was great going to Markham Smile Centre! The receptionist (I believe she was Kim) was friendly. The hygienist, Ying, was attentive and gentle during the cleaning; x-ray tech (forgot her name, sorry!) was great too. Dr. Sara Riad explained things with good detail. Looking forward to going back!
I was someone who was nervous and anxious about visiting the dentist, but the team at Markham Smile Centre has made me feel SO comfortable. Kim is so patient and helpful and Dr. Hwang and Rory are both so professional and wonderful. They thoroughly explain the procedure to make you comfortable beforehand and are very gentle. I now look forward to visiting the dentist!
I found this place on a whim when I was looking for a new dentist in Markham. My hygienist ying was super nice and her cleaning was very gentle yet thorough. I saw Dr.Jason and he was very nice and informative in regards to what needs to be done and provided me with all the information I needed to make a choice. Would recommend this place to anyone looking for a new dentist, they’re accepting new patients!!
I have been to many dentists in my life, Dr. Jason is easily the best dentist I have ever been too. He does everything he can to make you comfortable no matter the procedure and is a true professional, as does all the staff at Markham Smile Centre. Truly an amazing dentistry
The clinic was clean and the staff was very polite. I particularly liked the fact that everything was explained to me before going in for the procedure so I knew what to expect at each step. The dental hygienist who did the cleaning for me was also very gentle and took my concerns into consideration. I will definitely recommend them.
Upon arriving to the Markham Smile Centre, my son and I were greeted with a warm welcome by the receptionists. The hygienists and Dentist were very gentle and transparent with what they were doing. The hygienist that worked on my 9 year old son was patient and very friendly with him, which helped ease his nerves. Our overall experience was A+.
Since I was little, I have always hated going to the dentist... Its always uncomfortable and unpleasant. These days, visiting the dentist isn’t so bad! Dr Jason, Rory, and the lovely staff at reception make the experience 100x better. I have had absolutely no issues with the gum graft and cleanings that I’ve gotten done here. Everyone is incredibly friendly and helpful, even when I’m calling in or emailing a hundred questions :). I would highly recommend Markham Smile Centre.
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