Sleep Sedation – Levels of Sedation

When you come in for your appointment, Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms or Dr. Behl will decide which level is best for you.

The sedation method for an individual is determined on the patients:

• Medical history
• Current physical
• Mental health

We feel here at The Dental Anesthesia Center, it is important to educate our patients. Below you will find the levels of sedation.

Minimal Sedation

With minimal sedation, an individual is conscious. This method is the lightest level of sedation. It involves a mild sedative, such as a Valium-like medication or Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas.) Using this kind of sedation requires no additional training for the dentist.

Moderate Sedation (Sedation Dentistry)

With moderate sedation, a person is conscious. This is referred to as “Sedation Dentistry.” Moderate Sedation allows the patient to respond to questions. You are not asleep for sedation dentistry. Some dentist receive, at a minimum, only two days of additional training when administering pills orally. Intravenous (IV) Sedation requires at least 60 hours of training or a dentist can be trained as part of a residency program.

Deep Sedation (General Anesthesia Dentistry or Sleep Dentistry)

Deep sedation, General Anesthesia Dentistry, is referred to as “Sleep Dentistry”. Using this method, there is no memory of the procedure. Dentists who provide this method require a two-year Dental Anesthesiology Residency or an Oral Surgery Residency.

When you come in for your appointment, Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms or Dr. Behl will decide which level is best for you.