The Effectiveness of Oral Sedation in Dentistry

Oral sedation is a safe and effective way to help patients feel relaxed. If you have dental anxiety, talk to your dentist about oral sedation. Oral sedation is medication taken before your appointment and induces a calm, relaxed feeling throughout your entire visit. Oral sedatives are easier on the body than IV sedation because there is no need to worry about an intravenous line or fluids being administered. 

Many patients feel drowsy and relaxed during their procedure and experience little to no memory of the procedure afterward. This can cause some patients to avoid necessary treatments because they are too fearful, even if they have minimal anxiety about the treatment itself. With the use of oral sedation, we can remove many of these barriers and give you a relaxing experience that is free from worry and anxiety. This is especially helpful for patients having longer procedures, like root canals or multiple fillings placed. In these cases, oral sedatives can help you relax and make your procedure more comfortable.

Benefits of Oral Sedation

When you get an invasive dental procedure, such as root canal therapy or wisdom tooth extractions, it can heighten your anxiety and make you worry more than usual about the treatment. If you have dental fear, then you might put off treatments that can keep your teeth healthy or affect your overall health. However, if you’re able to take medications before your procedures, then you can reduce your feelings of anxiety and tension so that you can remain at ease during treatment. 

Since you’ll be deeply relaxed during your dental treatment, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home from the procedure and watch over you for about the remainder of the day while you recover. If you’re concerned about the cost of oral sedation, keep in mind that many patients don’t have dental insurance that covers this service. Therefore, you should only choose this option if you truly need it for your procedure. Keep in mind that you’ll experience dry mouth as a symptom of the medicine. If you experience any pain during the treatment, talk to your dentist about the best way to lessen the discomfort you’re experiencing throughout your procedure.

There are many benefits to using oral sedation during dental procedures. It’s one of the best ways to reduce pain and anxiety for any patient who chooses to use it. You can discuss the option with your dentist to find out if it’s right for you.

When you choose to receive oral sedation for dental treatment, you’ll receive a prescription from a doctor who prescribes the medication. Then, you can take a pill about an hour before your appointment to allow enough time for the medication to take effect. Your dentist may also prescribe anti-anxiety medication for you to take alongside your prescription to help you remain calm and comfortable throughout treatment. 

Visit Brighter Day Dental, 1950 Market Street, Suite D, Concord, CA 94520, to learn more about taking care of your oral health. Contact us at (925) 356-2828 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.