Sleep and Sedation Dentistry: An Alternative Treatment for Patients with Disabilities
Wednesday, August 26th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed
Patients with disabilities require special attention when undergoing dental procedures. These patients are hard to restrain and have difficulties remaining still for extended periods especially in the case of complex dental surgery. The treating dentist puts the patient in a deep state of relaxation or complete sleep by administering sedation medication or general anesthesia. Patients with disabilities can find dental care solution with sedation and sleep dentistry.
Patients who are afflicted with physical and developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome, Cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s and those who have behavioral issues require the expertise of a certified sleep dentist. Their situation demands special care and attention different from the regular dental procedures performed on non-special needs patients.
How does sedation and sleep dentistry work?
First, the treating dentist will evaluate the needs of the patient. Once the needs and the goals of the patient have been identified only then a treatment plan will be determined. As each patient’s case is different, the levels of sedation vary as well. Some patients are easily put into a relaxed state while others require more sedative drugs before they can achieve the desired level of deep relaxation. In other cases such as patients with severe mental disabilities, it is important to put them to complete sleep.
During surgery, the sedation is administered through a combination of breathing mask and medication. Laughing gas or nitrous oxide will gradually put them in a relaxed state. The patient’s treatment plan determines whether oral or intravenous medication is appropriate. These are administered in graduated levels until such time complete relaxation is achieved.
In the past, these procedures are performed in the hospital where proper facilities are available. Patients nowadays can have their dental surgery right at the dentist’s clinic without the need to check in the hospital. These dentists and anesthesiologists have secured general anesthesia permits from the state and have undergone training to comply with state requirements in the administration of anesthesia.
Not all dentists are licensed to perform sedation and sleep dentistry. Make sure to do a background check before committing to a dentist.
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