Is Sleep Dentistry Safe?
“All Your Dentistry Done While You Sleep. Have All Your Dentistry Done In 1 Day.”
The prospect of visiting the dentist can often evoke feelings of tension and unease, causing many individuals to prefer suffering from tooth pain rather than facing their dental anxieties. Regular dental check-ups and treatments are necessary aspects of maintaining our oral health that cannot be avoided.
This can be an especially painful reality for those who suffer from dental fear. Fortunately, with sleep dentistry, the experience of visiting the dentist can be made painless and non-threatening. Whether it be for a root canal procedure or cosmetic dentistry, sleep dentistry can provide a completely comfortable and stress-free experience.
So, what exactly is sleep dentistry? Also referred to as sleep sedation, this approach involves the use of general anesthesia to place patients in an unconscious state during their dental treatment. While undergoing the procedure, patients will not feel, see, hear, or remember anything. Essentially, they will drift off to sleep.
Is It Safe? Short Answer: Yes
Just like any procedure that requires the use of anesthesia, such as the removal of wisdom teeth, there are certain risks associated with sleep dentistry. These risks include feelings of nausea, coldness, dizziness, as well as more serious complications such as stroke and heart attack. However, the likelihood of serious risks occurring is very low.
During sleep dentistry, anaesthetist closely monitor a patient's blood pressure and use a pulse oximeter to ensure they are receiving an adequate amount of oxygen. Additionally, if a patient requires multiple dental procedures during the same visit, the level of sedation can be adjusted accordingly, with less sedation used for less invasive procedures such as a dental filling.
Despite the low risk of complications, we take every precaution to minimize any potential risks. Prior to any procedure, we thoroughly review a patient's medical history, including any pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, heart problems, or obstructive sleep apnea. We also take note of any allergies to medications or foods and any drugs a patient may be taking, including cigarettes and alcohol.
During the procedure, a highly trained specialist anaesthetist ensures that the patient's lungs are continuously supplied with oxygen, their airway is fully protected from foreign material, and they remain immobile throughout the procedure. We use this information to determine the optimal sedation level for the procedure, ensuring the patient's safety and comfort.
Above all, we encourage patients to consider the risks and benefits of sleep dentistry in their entirety. While there are risks associated with any medical procedure, the risks of inaction, such as the potential for infection, must also be considered. Our sleep dentists take the time to address any concerns and walk patients through the process to ensure their safety and comfort throughout the procedure.
