Questions to Ask Your Sedation Dentist

Springfield, Holyoke, Longmeadow, and Wilbraham, MA Sedation Dentistry and Sleep Dentistry

Does sedation dentistry mean I will sleep during my dental procedure?

There is sedation dentistry and sleep dentistry. If you have a sedative, you will be not be asleep but will be in a very relaxed state. The sights, sounds and smells of the dental office will become less noticeable, and you will be able to respond to any requests made, such as “Please turn your head a little this way”.

If you have your dental work done in a hospital setting with general anesthesia, that is sleep dentistry. You will be unconscious and your whole body is slowed down – you cannot move, speak, hear, or even breathe. You will be on a respirator and the anesthesiologist will monitor your vital signs, watch for any allergic reaction to the anesthesia, and determine when you are restored enough to be discharged. This option is for patients with extreme dental fears and it can be used for children too, to keep them still and relaxed.

Why do you give local anesthetic with sedation?

Pain and fear of pain are two different things. An analgesic like aspirin blocks pain but does not help with anxiety. We always give a local anesthetic to block the pain receptors in the treatment area. If you are nervous or fearful, we can help with that by giving you a sedative.

Does local anesthesia hurt?

Getting a local anesthetic can be uncomfortable for some people, depending on the injection location, the dentist’s skill, and the person’s threshold for pain. We use a swab to numb the gum surface before injecting your local anesthetic, and that reduces the discomfort of the needle. If you have been sedated before being given any local anesthetic, your nervous system is slowed down and you will not feel as much discomfort. As well, you will not be fearful of discomfort, as a relaxed body is always more comfortable.

Can sedation dentistry be used for all dental procedures?

Yes. It can be used for routine check-ups and dental cleanings or for more intense procedures, such as root canals or tooth extraction. Sedation can also be used for patients who wish to enhance their smiles through cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as porcelain veneers, dental implants or dental crowns. The important thing is that you get the dental work done that you need in order to stay healthy.

Is sedation dentistry used only for those who fear the dentist?

No. Sedation dentistry can also be beneficial for people who:

• Have a strong gag reflex
• Do not respond well to numbing treatments
• Have several dental treatments they want to complete in one visit
• Have physical limitations in their jaw, neck or back

If it has been a while since you visited a dentist and you would like to learn more about sedation options, please contact our sedation dentist at Baystate Dental in East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Wilbraham, West Springfield or Springfield, MA for a sedation dentistry consultation.