Bay Street Dental Associates FAQs
Read our anesthesia FAQs for answers to the questions our dentists are most commonly asked about sleep dentistry.
If you're new to the concept of sleep dentistry and wondering if it could be right for you, it's important to learn about the basics so that you can make an informed decision.
Our team knows that well-informed patients are the ones who may be able to relax more during their visit.
Read through our FAQs below to get acquainted with the idea of sleep dentistry, and how it can help you get the dental care you need.
What is sleep dentistry?
'Sleep dentistry' refers to dentistry under anesthesia, during which the patient is completely unconscious. The term is also commonly used to describe other types of sedation dentistry, although most of the time patients are at least semi-conscious for these.
Bay Street Dental Associates specializes specifically in dentistry under anesthesia.
What are the benefits of sleep dentistry?
Sleep dentistry is ideal for patients who feel fearful or anxious about undergoing dental procedures. It allows these patients to receive the dental treatment they need without the stress and discomfort they would otherwise experience.
Sleep dentistry can also be extremely helpful for patients with special needs, be they physical, mental or psychological, as it allows them to safely undergo necessary dental care that would otherwise be difficult.
How do I know if I am a candidate for sleep dentistry?
Almost anyone can undergo some form of sleep or sedation dentistry. To find out if you are a candidate, and whether sedation or anesthesia is the right choice for you, contact our office to book a consultation.
What is anesthesia?
The term anesthesia refers to the administration of medications, either via injection or inhalation, that block the feeling of pain and other sensations, and produce a deep state of unconsciousness that eliminates all sensations. This allows medical and surgical procedures to be undertaken without causing undue distress or discomfort.
How is sedation different from anesthesia?
Sedation is administered and monitored by a registered nurse and overseen by our anesthesiologists. Sedation can induce a mellow feeling of well-being, light sleep or a semi-conscious state; This means that while the patient is asleep or sedated, she can still be stimulated by touch, light, or sound.
Anesthesia is administered by a certified anesthesiologist. It is considered to be a deep or full sleep, meaning the patient is fully unconscious. This allows the dentist to perform longer, more invasive procedures without the patient being aware of the proceedings.
Is sleep dentistry safe?
As with any medicine, anesthesia and sedation medicines come with risks. However, with proper precautions, sleep dentistry is quite safe. Your dentist will discuss any risks related to your medication with you in advance of the procedure.
How do I prepare for my sleep dentistry appointment?
Your dentist will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for your appointment well in advance. In the meantime, read through our Appointment Preparation page!
What are the qualifications of the Bay Street Dental Associates team?
Our team is able to perform dental procedures under anesthesia or sedation. Learn about our qualifications here, and learn about our in-office Anesthesiologists.
Why should I choose Bay Street Dental Associates?
The team at our Toronto dental practice strives to help your dental procedure be as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We've built our practice around a philosophy of patient-focused care.