What is Sedation (Sleep) Dentistry?

Even with all of modern dentistry’s new materials, high technology, and gentle approach, over half of our population (almost 145 million Americans) avoid dental care out of fear of pain. Now with Sleep (Sedation) Dentistry that is a thing of the past. Because Dr. Bridger and our staff are so understanding and non-judgmental, we offer an absolutely pain-free, safe, and welcoming dental experience.

Imagine not being afraid to go to the dentist. Imagine being able to accomplish all your dental care which has built up over the years in as little as one or two appointments. Imagine being able to smile with confidence and chew your food without pain. No wonder so many patients say:  "Sedation dentistry changed my life."

You can be sedated heavily or just enough to be unaware of the treatment, as if you were relaxing.  You'll wake up refreshed, with little or no memory of what was accomplished.

We can remove hopeless teeth, do fillings, repair chipped teeth, place crowns, treat sore gums, whiten yellow or stained teeth, replace dentures and partials, perform tooth-saving root canals, place implants (replacement roots) and more. People with very busy schedules can get the dental care they need, easily and quickly.
 

Sedation dentistry is a safe way to reduce the fatigue of extended dental treatment requiring long visits.

HOW IS SEDATION (SLEEP) DENTISTRY ACCOMPLISHED?

• For smaller cases and those patients with mild fear: We use Nitrous Oxide Gas, which makes you unaware of the treatment, as if you were relaxing. After a health history and pre-clinical vital signs are recorded, we cover you with a warm, snug blanket, and offer you music earphones. After treatment, you can safely drive, study, work, relax, or exercise. You will have a reduced memory of the experience.

• For larger cases and those patients with stronger fear: We use Oral Conscious Sedation using different sedative pills often in combination with nitrous oxide gas, which makes you very sleepy and very unaware of the treatment, as when you are just nodding off to sleep. We often give you an anti-anxiety pill to help you sleep the night before your dental appointment and then an hour before your appointment so you come in very relaxed.
  
  You don't eat or drink a few hours ahead. Your companion drives you to our office in comfortable clothes. After a health history and pre-clinical vital signs are recorded, we cover you with a warm, snug blanket  and offer you music earphones. When your treatment is completed, your companion will return you home to finish your comfortable, realaxing day. You will have little or no memory of the experinece, including any sounds or smells.

• For largest cases, those who are medically compromised, and those patients with strongest fears: We use Intravenous (IV) Sedation with a combination of drugs administered by a Dental Anesthesiologist, which makes you “dream-like” sleepy and totally unaware of the treatment. We often give you an anti-anxiety pill to help you sleep the night before your dental appointment and then an hour before your appointment so you come in very relaxed.
  
  You don't eat or drink a few hours ahead. Your companion drives you to our office in comfortable clothes. After a health history and pre-clinical vital signs are recorded, we cover you with a warm, snug blanket  and offer you music earphones. When your treatment is completed, your companion will return you home to finish your comfortable, realaxing day. You will have no memory of the experinece, including any sounds or smells.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR SEDATION (SLEEP) DENTISTRY?

People who have...

high fear

traumatic dental experiences

difficulty getting numb

a bad gag reflex

very sensitive teeth

complex dental problems

limited time to complete dental care

People who...

hate needles and shots
hate the noises, smells and tastes associated with dental care

are afraid or embarrassed about their teeth

are medically compromised

HOW SAFE IS SEDATION (SLEEP) DENTISTRY?

Nitrous oxide and the drugs we use in sedation have a long track record of safety. A thorough pre-op health history, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration is taken on each sedation patient. On oral conscious sedation and IV cases we use monitors to keep up with blood oxygen level, blood pressure, and pulse.

Dr. Bridger and our staff have extensive training in nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and emergency life support techniques in accordance with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. All necessary emergency equipment, drugs, oxygen, and supplies are on hand. 

No patient is rendered unconscious as with general

anesthesia. All IV sedation is administered by a dental anesthesiologist doctor with years of advanced anesthesia

and emergency training. We have a full crash cart for IV

cases.

HOW DO I SET UP SEDATION (SLEEP) DENTISTRY?

Make a consultation appointment with Dr. Bridger by phone, by going to the Request An Appointment page on our website, or by email. We will get you in usually within a couple of days of your contact, often the same day. Dr. Bridger and our staff will perform a very friendly exam with necessary x-rays and then will discuss in detail treatments necessary, options, sedation alternatives, fees, financing, and will make the needed appointments.

It Really Works!
You can sleep through your dental appointment!

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Sedation (Sleep) Dentistry | West Houston Cosmetic Dentist Services | Dental Care Questions