What is Oral Sedation?
Oral sedation involves medication taken by mouth to produce a relaxing sensation during treatment. Unlike deep sedation or anesthesia, patients remain awake during their dental treatment. Depending on the dose of medication administered, a mild sedation can be achieved.
When is Oral Sedation Needed?
Oral sedation can be used when a patient is experiencing fear or anxiety of the dentist and requires mild sedation. Those with a high level of fear that might be prohibiting them from getting treatment can benefit from oral sedation to help them relax. Patients who use oral sedation are more likely to receive the dental care they need, preventing their dental issues from turning into something more serious.
Oral sedation is often used to increase patient comfort during more complex dental procedures such as smile makeover that would normally take multiple visits to complete. With oral sedation, patients will feel like their appointments were over in just a few minutes, even though they might have been in the chair for several hours.
With the appropriate dose, oral sedation is safe and effective for healthy adults. Talk to your dentist about any anxiety or fear that might be holding you back from receiving treatment. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Khan to discuss your medical history and concerns to determine if you are a candidate for oral sedation.
What to Expect During Treatment with Oral Sedation
Patient’s may receive a medication to be taken 24 hours prior to your appointment. When you arrive at your appointment, you will be given an oral sedative medication right away to give it enough time to take effect. Once the medication begins to work, you might feel sleepy but will remain conscious and able to respond and cooperate during treatment. Many patients feel like their treatment only lasted a few minutes, or might not remember having treatment at all. After treatment using oral sedation, you will need someone to drive you home as the effects may take some time to completely wear off. Side effects of oral sedation are rare but may include nausea and vomiting.
To find out if you might be a candidate for oral sedation, contact IKON Dental Group today.