You hear the ads and drive by that billboard every day. But does sleep dentistry actually work? Is it even doable? It sounds like something celebrities do as part of a high-end spa package – sleep through dental work.

Sleep sedation dentistry is much more accessible than it sounds. It has great benefits, too:

• Get more dental work done in one visit
• Reduce anxiety if you’re nervous about treatment
• Keep you comfortable during any procedure

Sleep dentistry is not some sensational miracle treatment. Before jumping in, you should know a few things.

1. You won’t actually be asleep.

Sedation works by lowering your consciousness, but it doesn’t knock you out. You’ll get it through pills or an IV. It feels like you fell asleep because the sedation makes you feel drowsy and forget what happened. Even so, you will be aware enough to communicate.

2. Sleep dentistry is safe.

Through the entire time you’re sedated you will be monitored closely. Follow directions and carefully share your entire health history. In turn, a properly trained dentist or anesthetist will work with you to ensure that you get the right kind and amount of medication to safely be sedated.

3. You’ll need to bring a buddy.

You should have a designated driver to bring you home after treatment. If you take sedative pills a few hours before the appointment, you’ll need that person to bring you to the office, too. You don’t want to have temporary amnesia and drowsiness while driving!

Feel free to ask your dentist any questions you may have about the procedure. The more you know, the more comfortable you’ll feel. Ask about options for sedation and anesthesia and other ways to reduce dental anxiety.

Posted on behalf of:
Dr. David Kurtzman D.D.S.
611 Campbell Hill St. NW #101
Marietta, GA 30060
(770) 980-6336