Oral Conscious Sedation
Many patients are afraid of going to the dentist. Dental anxiety is exceedingly common and can have a devastating effect on the health of your gums and teeth. Not receiving the primary dental care necessary to prevent dental problems from occurring can be quite harmful. Routine dental cleanings and examinations can help avoid gum disease and alert us of any possible issues, such as the growth of a cavity. Patients who suffer from extreme dental anxiety when going to the dentist can take advantage of oral conscious sedation. It allows for a calm and relaxing experience through every phase of treatment.f
What is the procedure for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation involves using oral medication in combination with nitrous oxide to attain a correct level of relaxation so that you can calmly undergo the dental care you need. The entire process is quite simple and comfortable. The doctor will instruct you when you should take the oral medication, which is typically the night before your dental appointment. You should be accompanied by a family member or a friend for the procedure. Since you have already taken the oral medication, you will arrive at the dentist’s office more rested and relaxed. If further needed, nitrous oxide will be given to relax you during the appointment completely, and the dental team will monitor your vital signs during the procedure. Even though your dental procedures may take hours to complete, you may feel as if only a few minutes have elapsed. Most of the patients feel so relaxed that they fall asleep in the dentist’s chair. Sedation medications have an amnesic effect, and as a result, you will have little memory of the visit. The effects of the sedative should decrease by the following day.
What are the advantages of Oral Conscious Sedation?
- Safe:Oral sedatives are approved by the FDA, and it’s not likely that you will experience any dangerous side effects.
- Easy to administer:Your dentist will ask you to take an oral sedation pill so that you remain calm during the dental procedure. Among the three sedation types, oral sedation is the simplest because all you have to do is swallow the tablet a few hours before the appointment. You will be feeling comfortable by the time you arrive for the procedure.
- No Needles: Many patients who are fearful of the dentist also dread needles, which are used in administering IV sedation. But with oral sedation, you can take the sedative orally just a couple of hours before the dental appointment without distressing about the pain caused by needles.
- Amnesia:Patients will have negligible or no memory of the operation because of the strong dosage of Benzodiazepines. This is great for patients who are very scared of dental procedures because they will have no recollection of what really went on while they were sedated.
- Receptive: The patient will still be conscious and responsive, although they may feel a bit drowsy after taking the pill. As you are conscious throughout the operation, you will still be able to listen and react to the dentist’s commands.
Call us at Los Cerritos or schedule an online appointment to know more about Oral Conscious Sedation
