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Home › Sleep Dentistry or Deep Sedation - Understanding the Difference

Sleep Dentistry or Deep Sedation - Understanding the Difference
Posted on 9/1/2025 by NC Pediatric Dentisty
Beautiful curly haired Black girl sleepingHave you ever been anxious about visiting the dentist? You're not alone! Millions of people experience dental anxiety, and for some, it can be so severe that they avoid going to the dentist altogether. This can lead to serious oral health problems, as untreated cavities and other issues can worsen over time.

Fortunately, there's a solution for people with dental anxiety: sleep dentistry or deep sedation. These techniques allow you to relax and sleep comfortably during your dental treatment, so you don't have to experience any discomfort or anxiety. But what's the difference between these two options?

What is Sleep Dentistry?


Sleep dentistry, also known as conscious sedation, is a technique that uses medication to help you relax and fall asleep during your dental procedure. You'll be conscious and able to respond to questions, but you'll be in a deep state of relaxation and may not remember much about the procedure afterwards.

Several types of medications can be used for sleep dentistry, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedatives, and intravenous (IV) sedatives. The type of medication used will depend on your individual needs and the complexity of your procedure.

What is Deep Sedation?


Deep sedation, also known as general anesthesia, is a stronger form of sedation that puts you into a deep sleep. You'll be completely unconscious and won't feel any pain or discomfort. You'll also have no memory of the procedure afterwards.

Deep sedation is typically used for longer or more complex procedures, or for patients with severe anxiety or a strong gag reflex. It's always administered by a trained anesthesiologist who will monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure.

Which Option is Right for You?


The best way to decide which type of sedation is right for you is to talk to your pediatric dentist. They will discuss your individual needs and medical history and recommend the most appropriate option for your situation.

Here are some factors to consider:

•  The type of dental procedure: Some procedures require more sedation than others.
•  Your level of anxiety: If you have severe anxiety, you may need deeper sedation.
•  Your medical history: Certain medical conditions may make one type of sedation more suitable than another.

What to Expect After Sedation


After your sedation, you'll be monitored in a recovery room until the effects of the medication wear off. You may feel drowsy or disoriented for a while, so it's important to have someone accompany you home and help you with your recovery.

It's important to note that you should not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours after being sedated.

Conclusion


Sleep dentistry and deep sedation are safe and effective options for people who experience dental anxiety. If you're looking for a way to relax and have a more comfortable dental experience, talk to your pediatric dentist about which option is right for you.

Smiles from ear-to-ear with locations from here-to-here.


Our community of dentistry superheroes prioritizes smiles above all else—theirs AND yours. That’s why we make it easy to find the location that’s right for you. Learn what to expect for your first visit, virtually tour the space, meet the dentists, and discover location-specific specialties and resources below.


Advance Pediatric Dentistry


135 Medical Drive
Advance, NC
(743) 259-8887

Afton Pediatric Dentistry


5641 Poplar Tent Rd. Suite 201
Concord, NC
(980) 291-4013

Caldwell Pediatric Dentistry


210 Willow Street NW
Lenoir, NC
(828) 383-0322

Denver Pediatric Dentistry


275 NC-16 Business Suite 204B
Denver, NC
(980) 303-5083

Dunn Pediatric Dentistry


711 Tilghman Drive
Dunn, NC
(910) 984-0026

Fuquay Pediatric Dentistry


401 Attain Street Suite 111
Fuquay-Varina, NC
(984) 313-4086

Hickory Grove Pediatric Dentistry


5708 North Sharon Amity Rd. Suite 5708a
Charlotte, NC
(980) 369-2014

Huntersville Pediatric Dentistry


9625 Northcross Center Ct. Suite 101
Huntersville, NC
(980) 306-6635

Locust Pediatric Dentistry


236 Market Street Suite 200
Locust, NC
(980) 354-0784

Mebane Pediatric Dentistry


1107 S. Fifth St. # 100
Mebane, NC
(984) 290-5016

Mint Hill Pediatric Dentistry


9055 Cresswind Blvd. Suite 104
Charlotte, NC
(980) 369-2032

Mooresville Pediatric Dentistry


202 Williamson Rd. Suite 200
Mooresville, NC
(980) 455-4053

Salisbury Pediatric Dentistry


140 Mahaley Avenue Suite B
Salisbury, NC
(980) 305-5002

Shelby Pediatric Dentistry


221 Simpson Park Rd.
Shelby, NC
(980) 436-2483

Sherrills Ford Pediatric Dentistry


7856 Village Center N Suite 200
Sherrills Ford, NC
(980) 291-9087

Statesville Pediatric Dentistry


1454 Fern Creek Drive
Statesville, NC
(980) 391-2407





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