Oral Sedation
What is Oral Sedation?
Oral sedation can ensure a relaxing and enjoyable dental experience with our Burke dentists. Oral sedation is the type of anesthesia most commonly associated with sedation dentistry. Depending on the dosage given, effects can vary from minimal to moderate levels of consciousness. You may garble your words when speaking and may not remember much of your visit.
For the lower end of oral sedation, you take a pill, typically Halcion, which is a part of the same prescription family as Valium, and it is usually taken about an hour before the procedure. The pill will make you feel drowsy, though you will still be conscious.
A larger dose may be given to produce a more moderate level of sedation. Some people become groggy enough from mild oral sedation to fall asleep during the treatment. They ordinarily can be awakened with a gentle movement.
Sedation dentistry is not limited to dental phobia patients alone. It is especially useful for people who have:
What if you have dental fear? Will oral sedation deter your fears of the dentist so you can get the dental work you need?
We offer different options for sedation dentistry. Find out what's best for you.
Read more about how to identify your level of dental fear in our blog,
“Sedation Dentistry Can Easily Defeat Your Dental Anxiety”.
What Can You Expect with Oral Sedation
‘‘I have high anxiety about going to the dentist and they’re the best about getting me through all my appointments. I’ve had crowns done with sedation, as well as typical biannual cleanings.’’
Bonnie F., Actual Patient
Oral Sedation + Compassionate Care = Total Relaxation + Healthy Smiles
Sweaty hands, racing heart, jitters, canceling appointments, or procrastination in scheduling them. Does this describe you when considering a dental visit?
The emotional response of anxiety or fear from imagining a dental visit is sometimes the result of either a personal negative experience or hearing scary renditions by someone else. Perhaps it’s a dread of embarrassment should someone comment on the neglected state of your oral health.
How can our dentists help?
Don’t let dental anxiety prevent you from having the confident smile or healthy mouth you’ve always wanted. Contact our Burke sedation dentistry dream team at Burke Centre Dental Arts today!
What Do You Want To Know About Oral Sedation?
- Does oral sedation hurt?
This type of sedation dentistry is a painless administration. Before your appointment, you will take a pill and you will be relaxed before you even sit in the dental chair.
You will be conscious and responsive throughout the entire procedure, but you will be so relaxed that you might believe the procedure took only a few minutes.
- How does oral sedation feel?
The anti-anxiety pills administered by our dentists bind with the receptors in your brain that are responsible for fear and tones them down a few notches. Depending on the dosage and type, you’ll experience a calming effect, drowsiness, minor amnesia, and tingling sensations.
- Will I be able to drive home?
No, you should not drive for 24 hours until the medication leaves your system. Someone will need to accompany you as a safe ride to and from your sedation appointment and stay with you for the remainder of the day.