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. Sedation and sleep dentistry offers a better dental solution to patients with disabilities.
Patients with physical and developmental disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, Parkinson’s and those who have behavior problems 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. The levels of sedation varies with each case. 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. Yet in other cases, it is paramount to put the patient to complete sleep as in the case of patients with severe mental disabilities.
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. Oral medication and intravenous drugs are utilized depending on the treatment plan of the patient. 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. Now, developments in dental art technology allow patients to have the surgery right at their dentist’s office. 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. Do not forget to check the dentist’s qualification and experience before committing to a dental procedure.
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