Dental sedation is a wonderful provision that has changed the way many people think about oral health procedures. One of the simplest forms of sedation is oral conscious sedation — all you have to do is swallow a pill shortly before your treatment begins! But is it right for you? This blog post discusses some indications that it might be.
Who May Benefit from Oral Conscious Sedation?
Your dentist might determine that you are a good candidate for oral conscious sedation if you have any of the following:
- Significant dental anxiety or fear that prevents you from seeking necessary care.
- A strong gag reflex that makes dental procedures uncomfortable.
- Difficulty sitting still for extended periods of time.
- Sensitivity to dental sounds, sights, or sensations.
- A need for complex or multiple procedures in a single appointment.
- Previous traumatic dental experiences
- Trouble getting numb with local anesthetic alone.
Who Should Avoid Oral Conscious Sedation?
While oral conscious sedation is safe for most patients, some individuals may need to avoid it. These groups include:
- Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as severe respiratory or heart problems.
- Pregnant people.
- People with known allergies to sedative medications.
- Individuals currently using medications that may interact with the sedative.
Talk to Your Dentist to Learn About Your Sedation Options
Your dentist wants you to have a low-stress and comfortable care experience, so do not hesitate to let them know if you are interested in sedation. Of course, your safety is also of paramount importance. Before approving you for any form of sedation, your dentist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your health history, current medications, and specific dental needs. Based on what they learn, they can determine if oral conscious sedation is a good fit for your circumstances.
In situations where oral conscious sedation may not be suitable for you — perhaps due to certain pre-existing health conditions, medication interactions, or personal preferences — your dentist will not hesitate to explore other solutions that can keep you comfortable throughout your treatment.
One commonly used alternative is local anesthesia, which can effectively numb the area being treated and allow you to remain fully awake and in control during the procedure. Other patients qualify for nitrous oxide, which wears off very quickly and can allow you to return to your routine immediately after your appointment.
Oral conscious sedation is a wonderful provision for most patients! Talk to your dentist to learn more about it and how it may affect your care experience.
Meet the Practice
At Santavicca Dental Professionals, our team of experts proudly offers nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. We prioritize patient comfort and safety, and we are always happy to answer questions about the sedation options available in our practice. To learn more about us or to request a consultation, contact our Lebanon, NH, office at 603-215-7108.