Sedation and Sleep Dentistry from your friendly Arlington Dental Practice
People avoid going to the dentist for many reasons. Some can’t get comfortable at the dentist and just get nervous around the sights and the sounds of dentistry. Others don’t have time for all the appointments. Many people, good people who are perfectly normal in every way, are simply afraid. Sedation Dentistry helps people get past these issues so they can have the dentistry they need. You can actually be relaxed and comfortable through your entire appointment, or better yet, you can actually sleep right through it. Sedation even helps your dentist get more done in each appointment, so you’ll probably need fewer visits, too.
What is sedation dentistry?
Dr. Khalil uses safe and effective medications keep you relaxed and comfortable during your dental visit. There are different levels of
What is Conscious Sedation?
Some patients prefer conscious sedation, where you are sedated just enough to be unaware of the
What is Sleep Dentistry?
Sleep dentistry is a term often used to describe visits with the deepest level of sedation. This is very popular with our patients who want to literally wake up with a new smile. At Arlington Dentistry by Design, this kind of sedation is performed by a board-certified anesthesiologist. While Dr. Khalil performs the dental procedures, the anesthesiologist continually monitors your comfort and safety.
Who is sedation for?
Sedation dentistry is for available for everyone who wants it. Our patients tell us that it actually makes their dental appointments a comfortable experience. We find it is especially useful for patients who:
- Are afraid of the dentist;
- Have bad experiences with dentistry
- Can’t stand the sights, sounds and smells of a dental office
- Can’t ever get comfortable in the dental chair
- Can’t seem to sit still through their appointment
- Have trouble getting numb, even after the dentist has given them Novocaine
- Need a lot of work, and don’t have time for all the appointments
- Are embarrassed about the condition of their teeth, or their fear of dentistry
- Have a really bad gag reflex
- Have very sensitive teeth
- Are afraid of needles
What is a conscious sedation appointment like?
Every sedation patient needs a companion, a responsible adult who gets you to and from the appointment and keeps you company for the rest of the day. You may receive some medication to take an
hour before you arrive, and if so, you might start feeling sleepy by the time you get to the office. Once you arrive, we’ll get you comfortable in the chair and start monitoring your vital
signs to ensure total safety and comfort. Dr. Khalil will assess your medication needs to give you the most comfortable experience, and he won’t get started until you are perfectly relaxed and
properly sedated. You won’t actually sleep through the appointment, but it will feel like you did. The next day, it is quite likely that you won’t remember a thing.
What does sedation feel like?
It is probably completely unlike any other experience you’ve had at the dentist. Our patients describe it as calm and peaceful. Many have told us that the whole experience feels like a dream, and they remember little or nothing of the appointment.
What happens after the appointment?
You may still feel a little sleepy. Our team will monitor you until we know you are ready to leave. Your companion will drive you home and keep you company that day. It’s best to just take it easy for the rest of the day, and avoid any thing strenuous or requiring concentration. Eating and drinking are encouraged, and will probably make you feel better. The next day will just be a regular day.
Are sedation and sleep dentistry safe?
Yes. We use very safe and effective medications, and you are monitored the entire time. Our entire team has been trained to give you a safe and comfortable experience.
