Who’s a Candidate for Sedation

Who’s a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

If you struggle with dental anxiety, difficulty sitting through treatments, or have special medical considerations, sedation dentistry can make your dental experience comfortable and stress-free. At Sleep Dentistry, we provide customized sedation options in Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA, helping patients receive the care they need with ease.

Are You a Good Candidate for Sedation?

You may benefit from sedation dentistry if you:

Have Dental Anxiety or Phobia – If you feel anxious, nervous, or fearful about dental visits, sedation can help you relax.
Require Extensive or Multiple Procedures – For long treatments, sedation allows for multiple procedures in a single visit.
Have a Strong Gag Reflex – Sedation can suppress involuntary reflexes, making treatment more comfortable.
Struggle with Sensitive Teeth or Difficulty Getting Numb – Some patients experience heightened sensitivity or resistance to local anesthesia; sedation helps eliminate discomfort.
Have Special Needs or Medical Conditions – Patients with neurological disorders, developmental conditions, or physical limitations may benefit from sedation for a smoother treatment experience.
Experience Difficulty Sitting Still for Long Periods – Sedation helps patients with restlessness, movement disorders, or back pain remain comfortable.
Are Undergoing Oral Surgery or Full Mouth Reconstruction – For procedures like wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, or multiple extractions, sedation ensures a pain-free and relaxed experience.

Sedation Options for Every Patient’s Needs

At Sleep Dentistry, we offer various sedation methods tailored to your level of comfort and treatment complexity:

1. Mild Sedation – Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Ideal for patients with mild dental anxiety or sensitivity.
Helps you feel relaxed while remaining fully awake.
Effects wear off quickly, allowing you to resume normal activities right after treatment.

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2. Moderate Sedation – Oral Sedation

Ideal for patients with mild dental anxiety or sensitivity.
Helps you feel relaxed while remaining fully awake.
Effects wear off quickly, allowing you to resume normal activities right after treatment.

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3. Deep Sedation – IV Sedation

Best for high-anxiety patients, complex treatments, or those who need multiple procedures.
Administered intravenously for immediate relaxation and control over sedation levels.
Patients stay conscious but are in a sleep-like state with minimal awareness.

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4. General Anesthesia

Recommended for severe dental phobia, special needs patients, or extensive oral surgeries.
Patients are completely unconscious for the duration of the procedure.
Monitored by experienced professionals for safety.

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Who May Not Be a Candidate for Sedation?

While sedation dentistry is safe for most patients, it may not be suitable for individuals who:

Have certain respiratory conditions or uncontrolled medical issues.
Are pregnant (some forms of sedation may not be recommended).
Have a history of adverse reactions to sedatives.
Take medications that interfere with sedation drugs (we review your medical history to determine eligibility).

Our team will carefully evaluate your medical history, concerns, and treatment needs to determine the best and safest sedation option for you.

How to Prepare for Sedation Dentistry

Follow pre-procedure instructions – Your dentist will provide guidelines, such as fasting before IV sedation or anesthesia.
Arrange transportation – For oral, IV, or general sedation, you’ll need a responsible adult to drive you home.
Wear comfortable clothing – Loose-fitting clothes allow for easier monitoring during the procedure.
Discuss medical history & medications – Inform us of any conditions or medications to ensure safe sedation use.

Find Out If You’re a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry

If fear, discomfort, or medical conditions have kept you from receiving dental care, sedation dentistry may be the solution. At Sleep Dentistry, we help patients feel comfortable, safe, and relaxed during treatment.

Schedule a consultation today at our Portland, OR, or Vancouver, WA location to see if sedation dentistry is right for you!

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Who’s a Candidate for Sedation