Looking for the best dentist in Erie, PA? At Sleep Dentistry with Dr. Kevin Mahoney, our commitment is tailoring a dental treatment plan individualized to you. No matter whether you’re with us for routine teeth cleaning or an emergency oral surgery, no matter whether trips to the dentist are something you look forward to or something you dread, your utmost comfort is our charge. Regardless of whether you’re young or old, are in prime health, or have special needs, we take pride in our collective experience and abilities as a staff to adjust, adapt, and deliver high-quality dental care that caters to you.
Little to no dental anxiety? Engage and interact with our friendly staff fully aware, who will talk you through the process every step of the way. Topical or local anesthesia will be used to numb the site of the dental work where necessary.
Moderate dental anxiety? Minimal to moderate sedation may help to soothe your nerves. You’ll not be unconscious for the procedure, but you will feel noticeably more relaxed. And if you ever need a non-judgmental and cuddly friend in your corner (or your lap), our licensed therapy dog Dogtor Gizmo can help.
High dental anxiety or dental phobia? You may be a candidate for sleep dentistry aka general dental anesthesia. You will be fully unconscious while all work is performed and will be carefully monitored and maintained by Dr. Mahoney, a licensed dental anesthesiologist.
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
