Oral Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Terms

Sleep Dentistry, Anxiety Free Dentistry, and Sedation Dentistry – What’s the difference?

Sleep Dentistry is an old term used to describe the way a patient perceived their sedation treatment. The patient never actually sleeps during the visit, but because there is little to no memory of the appointment it felt as if they were asleep. This term, sleep dentistry, is inaccurate. It may, however, be applied to General Anesthesia.

Anxiety free Dentistry is synonymous with relaxation. With this level of sedation, patients are calm and relaxed. Due to the sedative effects of the medication the patient still perceives as if hours go by in minutes.

Sedation Dentistry is a comprehensive term that refers to the use of medication to induce a comfortable dental experience. Patient may take medication before treatment as well as during treatment to maintain comfort levels.

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