Are you one of the millions of Americans who suffer from some form of dental anxiety? If so, you might find that it’s difficult to get the routine oral healthcare that you need to keep your smile healthy.
Sedation dentistry, and oral conscious sedation in particular, can be incredibly helpful for people like this. If you’re wondering what oral conscious sedation is, and whether it could be right for you, here’s a guide with some information you might find useful.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
In general, sedation dentistry refers to the use of calming drugs to help patients relax during dental procedures. This can come in many forms, and oral conscious sedation is one of the most popular.
Oral conscious sedation refers to drugs that are administered via a pill taken before visiting the dentist. You can be prescribed this medication and will be given instructions on when to take it to maximize its effectiveness during your appointment.
As you may have gathered, oral conscious sedation tends to be strong enough to put you at ease, but not so much so that you fall asleep. You should be completely aware of your surroundings for the duration of the procedure, capable of understanding and following the dentist’s instructions.
Is Oral Conscious Sedation Right for Me?
Among the sedatives used in dentistry, oral conscious sedation is middle-of-the-road in terms of strength. While they’re by no means weak, they’re best suited for people who have mild to moderate dental anxiety.
It should also be noted that oral conscious sedation takes a while to wear off after the appointment, meaning that it’s not a good idea to take it if you can’t get a ride to and from your visit.
That said, oral conscious sedation is otherwise an incredibly safe and effective treatment. If you’re nervous at the dentist’s office, have a strong gag reflex you can’t seem to control, or even if you just have trouble sitting through longer procedures, oral conscious sedation can make oral healthcare much more enjoyable for you.
About the Author
Dr. Alan Kellner opened his own private practice because he felt that he had a responsibility to do things differently. He understands that every patient is unique, so he takes his time to tailor his treatments to every patient’s individual needs. Dr. Kellner received his degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and is always eager to learn more about his field, which fuels his interest in continuing his education to this day!
If you have any questions about oral conscious sedation, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (954) 771-7636.