Sleep Dentistry with Dr. Kevin Mahoney - Sedation Dentistry in Erie, PA

You dream while we work...You'll love it!

Sleep Dentistry can provide dental anesthesia for any treatment for kids and adults.

Erie's Only Practice Offering Dental Anesthesia for Any Procedure

Sleep Dentistry is the only dentist in Erie, PA that utilizes sleep dentistry for any procedure, making us perfect for those with dental phobias. Whether you need a root canal or teeth cleaning, Dr. Kevin Mahoney and his experienced dental staff will work with you to get your dental health back on track. We also have financial assistance available to those in need.

Why choose Dr. Kevin Mahoney as your dentist in Erie, PA?

1

Board-certified dental anesthesiologist.

Dr. Kevin Mahoney is the only dentist in Erie, PA who is a board-certified dental anesthesiologist.

2

One visit for most of your treatments.

Get more dental work done in fewer visits, all while you sleep through it completely pain-free.

3

Experience with special-needs patients.

We're experienced in handling a variety of special-needs dentistry cases, including elderly adults with dementia, uncooperative children, and those with dental anxieties.

Certified dental therapy dogs on staff!

Ruff time sitting through your dental appointments? The Dogtor is taking in-house calls. Dogtor Gizmo THD is a licensed dental therapy dog who has undergone special training for obedience, temperament, and compassion. He or his little brother Gadget are happy to hang out with you before, during, and/or after your visit to help ease your dental anxiety. 

Research shows that dental therapy dogs like Dogtor Gizmo and Gadget:

  • Decrease blood pressure
  • Boost and brighten your mood
  • Lower anxiety and stress
  • Increase social interaction between patients and staff

We love our canines (and incisors, cuspids, bicuspids, and molars too!) at Sleep Dentistry with Dr. Kevin Mahoney, and even more so creating an enjoyable and comfortable experience for our patients. 

dental therapy dog

What is sleep dentistry? 

What is sleep dentistry?

There are many differences between general anesthesia and IV sedation that have a big impact on how the procedures are practiced in sleep dentistry. Many dental offices use the term sleep dentistry when actually talking about IV sedation. This can be confusing because “sleep dentistry” is more similar to and descriptive of general anesthesia.

When under general anesthesia, the certified anesthesiologist manages your breathing through a tube. General anesthesia affects the entire body rather than a localized, specific area. When recovering, patients slowly come out of a sedated state.

A few of the main components of general anesthesia include:

  • You are totally unconscious (asleep)
  • You will not feel pain
  • You will have little to no memory of the procedure

There are several other forms of dental sedation in addition to IV sedation and general anesthesia including oral sedation or the use of laughing gas (nitrous oxide). The dental staff and certified anesthesiologists of Sleep Dentistry will help you determine which procedure best fits your needs and desires.

How long will I be sedated with sleep dentistry?

The amount of time you are sedated depends on the amount of work that needs to be done. We are experts and will be able to approximate the right amount of time to get the most amount of work done, resulting in fewer appointments and less stress. The average timeframe to be sedated is between 1 and 6 hours, although that may vary.

Is sleep dentistry right for me?

Sleep Dentistry is especially perfect for people with dental phobias. The dental staff of Sleep Dentistry Erie has extensive experience in practicing safe dental anesthesia procedures on a wide range of patients.

Multiple factors are taken into consideration when determining if you would make a good candidate for sleep dentistry, such as your overall health, history of allergies, and your anxiety level.

Dental anesthesia works well for people who have:

  • Fear of the dentist
  • Difficulty getting numb
  • A bad gag reflex
  • Very sensitive teeth
  • A limited amount of time for treatment
  • Complex dental problems, including extractions and immediate dentures

Whether you're someone who has a disability that prevents you from receiving traditional dental treatment or you simply hate going to the dentist, our dental staff can help by providing relaxing dental anesthesia treatment.

Is sleep dentistry safe?

Yes, Dental Anesthesia is very safe as long as it's administered by a certified dental anesthesiologist. They are extensively trained in the outpatient setting to make your experience as pleasant as possible.

Are there any other dentists who perform sleep dentistry?

Currently, Dr. Kevin Mahoney is the only doctor to have an unrestricted general anesthesia permit in Erie, PA.

Will sleep dentistry cure my dental phobia?

Sleep Dentistry is not a cure for anxiety or dental phobia. It should be viewed more as a temporary solution. Although some people have reported lessened anxiety after completing a session, this may vary from person to person.

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