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There has been a significant rise in the popularity of sleep dentistry, also known as sedation dentistry. This is an innovative approach to dentistry that aims to provide a stress-free and relaxed experience for patients during dental procedures. Despite sleep dentistry’s increasing acceptance in Melbourne, there is a need for clarification and the dispelling of myths that continue to circulate.

Most people believe that sedation or sleep dentistry is reserved for people with severe dental phobias and anxiety. This has created a barrier of sorts and restricted the understanding of its benefits and applications. In reality, the sleep dentistry service has evolved drastically and can now cater to various patient comfort levels effectively.

In this blog, we will debunk the sleep dentistry myths so that you can make informed decisions about your dental care and get complete clarity on this dentistry approach.

The Truth Behind Sleep Dentistry Myths You Must Know About

1. Sleep dentistry only induces complete unconsciousness
This is by far the most common myth associated with sleep dentistry. In reality, sleep dentistry involves different levels of sedation, and not all these levels put the patients to sleep.

2. Sleep dentistry is only for patients with anxiety
Other than dental anxiety or phobia, sleep dentistry is also necessary for lengthy and complex dental procedures. Moreover, sleep dentistry can also be of help if the patient is resistant to local anaesthesia.
For immediate dental care, emergency sleep dentistry is a valuable option in some cases.

3. Sleep dentistry is unaffordable
Initially, sleep dentistry was on the expensive side. In recent years, sedation dentistry has been included in many of the leading payment plan options. Simply search for ‘sleep dentistry near me’ online and enquire about the same at leading dental clinics.

4. Everyone is eligible for sleep dentistry
Some specific conditions, like pregnancy, a history of radiation therapies, allergies to sedatives, etc., can limit your chances of undergoing sleep dentistry. It is best to consult your dental health expert for the same.

5. Sedation dentistry is harmful
Sedation dentistry is not harmful if done right. It is necessary to rely on an experienced dentist for sleep dentistry to get the desired results.

6. Sleep dentistry is helpful for sleep apnea
It is believed that sleep dentistry, which involves the use of sedative medications during dental procedures, can assist in the treatment of sleep apnea. It is important to note that sleep dentistry does not address the problem of sleep apnea.

7. Sleep dentistry is only used for a few major dental procedures
Sleep dentistry can be applied to a variety of dental treatments, such as dental fillings, routine cleanings, extractions, etc. This dentistry allows the patients to undergo dental work with ease, regardless of the complexities of the procedure.

8. Sleep dentistry leads to memory loss
Memory loss is not an outcome of sleep dentistry. In most cases, the patient may not remember parts of the procedure, but complete memory loss is not a common outcome.

9. Sedation dentistry is addictive
The sedatives used in sleep dentistry are safe and not addictive. It must be noted that sedation is a temporary and controlled measure to ease dental anxiety during a procedure. Patients do not become addicted to these medications.

10. Sleep dentistry requires a lengthy recovery period
Side effects and recovery time depend on the method and level of sedation used for the procedure. However, it is known that sleep dentistry wears off within a few hours. In extreme cases, you may need a day’s rest to fully recover.

If you are considering sleep dentistry, consult your dental expert and discuss all your needs and concerns. This will help you make an informed choice and mentally prepare you for the outcome. For more details, you can also contact us at Dental Care Carnegie.