‘Sleep dentistry’ is a term that is often prone to misconceptions and subject to myths. What is sleep dentistry? It’s an umbrella term for sedation dentistry, which encompasses various sedation options up to — and including — general anaesthesia (i.e. the stuff that actually will send you to sleep).

If you’re reading this blog post, chances are you’re wondering, “Is sleep dentistry safe?” Spoiler alert: yes, it is! And this is one of the many sleep dentistry myths we will be addressing in today’s discussion.

Myth 1: Sleep Dentistry Is Dangerous

Is dental sedation risky? While any form of medication or sedation can pose risks, sleep dentistry is a routine process that is safe, so long as a qualified anaesthetist administers the dental sedation. To be completely sure that we’re signing patients up for safe dental procedures, we review medical histories before we take action. We also inform patients of any risks or concerns we have — and once we administer the dental sedation, we ensure to monitor all vitals and oxygen levels.

Myth 2: It’s Only for People with Severe Anxiety

While sleep dentistry certainly helps nervous patients through their appointments, it’s not exclusively for those with dental anxiety. In fact, it’s necessary for complex or surgical procedures, such as wisdom teeth extraction or dental implant placement. It can also provide pain relief to patients who experience tooth sensitivity or are resistant to local anaesthesia.

Myth 3: You Are Completely Unconscious During Sleep Dentistry

There is some truth to this myth — if you’re opting for general anaesthesia. When we refer to sleep dentistry, however, we typically mean intravenous (IV) sedation, which induces a semi-conscious state that often lapses into sleep. For lighter sedation again, you can also opt for a mild to moderate oral sedative (oral conscious sedation), or nitrous oxide administered through a gas mask (laughing gas).

Myth 4: It’s Only for Major Surgeries

Because many believe sleep dentistry involves general anaesthesia only, one of the leading myths is that it’s only for major surgeries. In reality, there are various levels of dental sedation available that can suit all sorts of procedures, whether they’re big-time or small-scale. So, you are free to request a sedative for a more routine appointment, whether you experience severe dental anxiety or just want to feel more at ease in the chair.

Myth 5: Sedation Makes You Sick After the Procedure

If you use nitrous oxide, you’ll be laughing — literally, as this is the stuff of laughing gas. Once your dentist flushes your mask with pure oxygen, you should be purified of all nitrous oxide remnants and ready to drive home following your appointment.

However, in all other cases of sedation dentistry, there may be some truth to this myth — albeit just a grain. Oral conscious sedation can leave you feeling sluggish, achy, and even nauseous for the next two to eight hours, to the point where you should get someone else to drive you home after your procedure. If you undergo IV sedation or general anaesthesia, there will be longer-lasting effects — though, again, these will affect your mental faculties more than your digestive system.

Myth 6: Everyone Reacts the Same Way to Sedation

A common misconception is that everyone experiences sedation in the same way, but the reality is that reactions to sedation can vary greatly from person to person. Factors like age, weight, medical history, and even anxiety levels can influence how your body responds. While some people may feel completely relaxed and drift into a light sleep, others may remain more alert but still experience the calming effects. This is why dentists carefully tailor the dosage and type of sedation to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring both safety and comfort during the procedure.

Myth 7: Sleep Dentistry Is Expensive

Compared to in-hospital treatment, sleep dentistry is rather affordable. If you’re undergoing IV sedation, the anaesthetist will charge $884 for an hour of work — but don’t despair if this sounds expensive, as Medicare will cover a portion of this. (Please note that these figures do not include other costs associated with your dental procedure.)

Myth 8: Recovery Takes a Long Time

Nitrous oxide takes no time to wear off — a few minutes, tops. Oral conscious sedation can leave you feeling sluggish for the next two to eight hours, taking about 24 hours to completely leave your system. IV sedation and general anaesthesia have longer-lasting effects, usually compromising your memory, concentration, or reflexes for the next 24 hours. In any case, if you’ve undergone any of the latter three forms of sedation dentistry, you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for the next 24 hours (or 48 hours, in the case of general anaesthesia).

Myth 9: Sedation Dentistry Is Only for Adults

This is one of those sleep dentistry myths born from exaggeration. Some sedation dentistry is unsuitable for children, but lighter sedatives — such as happy gas — frequently feature in children’s dentistry. If you have concerns about signing your child up for sleep dentistry, talk to your dentist about your options. We can come up with a solution that will put your mind at ease.

Myth 10: It’s Not Safe for People with Health Conditions

Though there’s truth to this statement, it still ranks on our list of sleep dentistry myths for being a blanket statement rather than a nuanced point. Dentists will review your medical history and discuss potential complications before determining the best course of action. It’s true that those with liver or kidney disorders, a medical condition concerning the nervous system, severe obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes, or a BMI greater than 40 will be at greater risk. However, that doesn’t mean your dentist can’t come up with a solution that will be safe for you.

Undergo Safe Dental Procedures with Sleep Dentistry

Overall, sleep dentistry and safe dental procedures go hand in hand. Some sleep dentistry myths are outright untrue — and those with some truth to them are either exaggerated or lacking nuance. In most cases, sleep dentistry is a safe routine procedure suitable for almost all healthy individuals. It gives anxious patients the confidence they need to go through with an appointment — and it gives dentists the time they need to carry out more complex procedures.

If you think sleep dentistry could be the right solution for you, Langmore Dental is the perfect place to discuss your options. Book your appointment with us today to learn more.