Oral Sedation Dentistry
The three most common types of sedation methods are nitrous oxide, intravenous (IV) sedation, and oral sedation. Unlike Nitrous Oxide, which is administered by inhaling the sedation through a mask or IV sedation, which is administered at your procedure through a vein, oral sedation is taken in the form of the pill hours before your appointment. The oral sedative may be any of a variety of Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Halcion, Valium) which effectively decrease the areas of your brain that control anxiety and fear, putting you in a much calmer and relaxed state of mind. In addition to improving your overall comfort and reducing your anxiety, oral sedation dentistry new port richey florida will also help us more effectively provide treatment.
One of the biggest advantages of oral sedation is that it is the easiest type of sedation to administer, as all that is required is you swallowing a pill approximately one hour before your appointment. By the time you arrive to have your procedure performed, you will already be in a relaxed state. Another benefit of oral sedation is that unlike IV sedation, no needles are required. Given that many patients who have dental anxiety also have a fear of needles, this can be incredibly important. Another benefit or oral sedation is that it can range from mild, moderate, or strong. With milder types of oral sedation, you may feel a little drowsy through the appointment, but you will still be conscious and able to respond to instructions or communicate with your dentist. Patients who take a stronger dosage of Benzodiazepines (which is recommended for patients with severe dental phobia) will likely have no recollection of the procedure being performed.
Finally, oral sedatives are very safe and have been approved by the FDA, so the chances of having adverse side effects is very low.
Are There any Disadvantages to Oral Sedation?
For some patients, oral sedation is the perfect option to help them manage their procedure; however, there are some drawbacks to oral sedation when compared to other sedation options, such as:
- Activates slower: It will take approximately one hour or longer for the effects of oral sedation to kick, whereas the effects of nitrous oxide or IV sedation are practically immediate.
- Less flexibility in calibrating dosage: Although different doses of oral sedation can be prescribed, everyone metabolizes and responds to medication differently, which is why it can be difficult to ensure the patient attains the optimal state of sedation.
- Requires a driver: Unlike nitrous oxide, whose effects dissipate almost immediately after being turned off, the effects of oral sedation will last for a few hours, which means you will need to arrange for someone to drive you to your appointment and drive you home.
If you have any additional questions about dental sedation, or if you would like to schedule a consultation or learn more about our clinic and services, contact us today at (800) NEW-LOOK or fill out an online form at https://coastaljaw.com/appointment-request/
We look forward to providing you with the care you need in a safe and comfortable environment!