Has anyone ever told you to “take a chill pill?” With oral sedation dentistry, relieving your fears and anxiety of dental procedures is just that easy. Many people put off dental visits out of fear or anxiety, but with current sedation dental options, that is no longer necessary.
Oral sedation is a type of conscious sedation. Typically your dentist will prescribe benzodiazepine, which is a depressant that affects the central nervous system. Your dentist will have you take the medication approximately one hour prior to the procedure in order for the drugs to take full effect and put you in a relaxed state during the treatment. Oral sedation drugs also have agents that reduce anxiety.
Oral sedation can have from light to moderate effects. With light sedation, you will stay awake but feel very relaxed. With heavier sedation, you will remain conscious but may feel sleepy and have some slowing of your motor skills. Both levels of sedation contain anti-anxiety properties. Your sedation dentist will be able to determine what type of oral sedation is best for your situation.
Oral sedation medications do not contain pain-killers, so you will likely need a local anesthetic. If you have a fear of needles, your dentist will wait until the oral sedation has taken effect before administering any injections. Once your procedure is complete, you will feel groggy and will need to make arrangements for someone to transport you home.
Side effects are rare, and most patients are fully recovered within 24 hours.
Oral sedation is the most popular form of sedation dentistry, and is a safe and effective solution for dental anxiety when undergoing most any dental procedure.
If you live in the Newport Beach, contact us today
