Top 6 Things You Don’t Know About Sleep Dentistry

Brentwood periodontists Dr. Alexandre Aalam and Dr. Alina Krivitsky offer patients the option of “sleep dentistry,” or conscious sedation during procedures, to help them enjoy a pain-free, relaxing dental experience. With sleep dentistry, hundreds of patients are able to wake up with a new, beautiful smile! If you’re interested in learning more about safe IV sedation, feel free to contact the CENTER for Advanced Periodontal & Implant Therapy for a consultation.

Here are six things you may not know about sleep dentistry:

1. Sleep Dentistry May Encourage Dental Visits

Approximately 10% of adults actually refuse to go the dentist for much-needed cleanings and procedures because they are afraid. While it’s normal to feel a little anxious when undergoing a medical procedure, many people let fear prevent them from seeking necessary dental or periodontal work. People cite several reasons for avoiding the dentist:

·     Fear of pain

·     A bad gag reflex

·     Very sensitive teeth

·     High anxiety

·     Noises, smells and tastes associated with dental care

·     Extended discomfort during long procedures

Fortunately sleep dentistry, as offered by Dr. Alexandre Aalam and Dr. Alina Krivitsky, resolves every one of these issues, and enables patients to enjoy comfortable, stress-free procedures through IV sedation.

2. In Sleep Dentistry, You are Not Actually Asleep

Though the name is deceiving, patients that elect to undergo sleep dentistry are never fully asleep. Instead, patients are under “conscious sedation,” which allows them to be completely relaxed and free from pain. People will be able to breathe on their own and respond to verbal cues from Dr. Aalam or Dr. Krivitsky, but they will not be overly aware of sights and sounds from around the office.

3. You May Not Remember Much

… and that’s okay. IV sedation induces a state of deep relaxation. As a result, time will seem to pass very quickly and you will not recall much of what happened. This is why it is often called “sleep dentistry,” as patients often feel as if they slept through the procedure. They are not bothered by any of the treatments they receive and simply wake up once their periodontal work is complete.

4. Dr. Aalam or Dr. Krivitsky Can Safely Adjust Your Medication

Because sleep dentistry is administered intravenously, your periodontist can adjust your medication at any time throughout the procedure. This ensures you remain pain-free and comfortable for every second you are being treated. This also eliminates the possibility of administering too much or too little medication at the beginning of a dental trip. Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky pay close attention to your sedation to ensure a safe and relaxing experience for each and every patient.

5. Sleep Dentistry Often Results in a Quicker Procedure

Conscious sedation allows Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky to provide higher quality treatment in less time. This is because, when patients are sedated and completely relaxed, periodontists do not have to stop at various points during the procedure to help patients get comfortable. For this reason, sedation is ideal for patients who have a strong gag reflex, get uncomfortable sitting for long periods, or have anxiety that causes them to need breaks. When you are completely pain-free and calm, the periodontist can do his or her best dental work and finish your procedure quickly. To you, it will seem like no time at all!

6. Sleep Dentistry Offers Pain Relief During and After the Procedure

You probably know that sleep dentistry eliminates pain and helps you relax during periodontal procedures. However, you may not be aware that the pain-relieving effects of IV sedation extend into the post-operative period. Due to the medications administered by Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky, and the relaxed state of your body, you will be more comfortable in the hours following surgery than patients who did not opt for sleep dentistry. Not only will your recovery feel like a breeze, but you’ll be incredibly happy with the results of your procedure.

Contact Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky to Experience Sleep Dentistry

Renowned Brentwood periodontists Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky offer a wide variety of aesthetic and therapeutic periodontal services at their state-of-the-art office. They both utilize the most cutting-edge technology available to ensure patients have a safe, comfortable and relaxing experience.

If you are interested in trying sleep dentistry during your next dental procedure, contact the Center for Advanced Periodontal and Implant Therapy at (310) 826-8242 today.

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