Oral Sedation Dentistry
Sedation at your next dental visit
Oral sedation dentistry is a popular and convenient option for those patients who require something to ease anxiety and make the experience of their dental treatment more comfortable. Sedation is typically used for various types of services including everything from invasive procedures to a simple tooth cleaning. How sedation is used on each individual is up to the recommendation of one of our experts, along with the severity of the dental issue or the severity of a patient’s discomfort. Oral sedation is usually minimal meaning a patient is awake and aware but relaxed throughout the duration of the treatment.
Oral sedation is one of the available methods of conscious sedation dentistry, along with inhalation sedation (nitrous oxide) and conscious intravenous sedation. Medications which can traditionally be used for sedation include midazolam, diazepam, triazolam, and hydroxyzine. Also, a variety of single and incremental dose protocols may be used to medicate the patient as early as the day before treatment to ease the experience like for instance, topical creams rather than injections. The sedative effect allows more dentistry to be completed in fewer appointments as well as allowing complex procedures to be performed in less time.
Ideal Candidates for Oral Sedation
- Patients with good overall health
- Patients with generalized anxiety
- Patients with a mild to severe fear or apprehension of the dentist or dental treatment
- Patients with an intense gag reflex (which can make an appointment challenging or uncomfortable)
- Patients with an extensive amount of dental work which needs to be complete (and prefers it all done at once due to a busier lifestyle or schedule)
If you are a patient who can relate to any of the above or if you have a reason that may not be listed, please feel free to connect with us!
Advantages of Oral Sedation
Some of the main benefits of oral sedation vs. other types of sedation include the following:
- Ease of administration (a patient may only have to take a pill)
- Effectiveness
- No needles involved
- High patient acceptance
- Amnesic effect
- Lower cost vs. intravenous sedation
- Patients can rest while under their treatment
- Saving time
- Results equal a healthy smile
Is Oral Sedation Safe?
This is probably one of the most important questions our parents of children and patients want to inquire about. Research is key and following all guidelines to administer proper sedation is of the upmost priority to us. Since oral sedation is a such a mild form of sedation which does not
render a patient unconscious, only drowsy, it almost always provides a safe reaction. However, it is very imperative to discuss any allergies or potential conditions with one of our expert dentists to ensure we are able to assess all, if any, possible risks. The goal with oral sedation is to help keep the patient calm and relaxed. This type of dentistry uses medication to aid patients in relaxation at their dental appointments. In most cases, the medication is a liquid or tiny pill that is taken prior to the treatment with one of our skilled dentists. The medication allows for mild sedation, meaning our patients will be able to feel little to no discomfort during the procedure resulting in a beautiful and healthy smile.
Performing Oral Sedation Dentistry
Most dentists are capable to deliver minimal sedation for procedures, but it takes an experienced, professional dentist who is specifically certified to administer Oral Sedation Dentistry to patients. Because oral sedation is a more complex technique, yet popular by demand, dentists must undergo a specialty program in deep sedation to qualify themselves as someone who can provide oral sedation.
Our dentists at KidZdent have been performing oral sedation dentistry for more than 30 years. During that time, they have had hundreds of patients visit the office and leave feeling 100% and ready to show off their new smile. The team at KidZdent and Next Step is happy to help so many who have gone through a life of discomfort or pain and transform their smiles into beautiful and healthy ones.
Get in Touch
Have questions or need any help from our team? Reach out to us below and one of our team members will get in touch with you as soon as we see your request.