How Sedation Dentistry Can Make Dental Surgery Easier
For many people, visits to the dentist can inspire fear and anxiety. This can be due to a negative experience or an association made between dental procedures and pain. Some people ignore important dental care altogether because they don’t want to pay money for what they believe will be a traumatic experience.
Luckily, our patients have the option of sedation dentistry. Sedation relaxes and numbs you so your dentist can work without causing you stress or discomfort.
Candidates for Sedation Dentistry
You might be a candidate for dental sedation if:
- You have a severe gag reflex
- You’re resistant to local anesthetic
- You have severe time constraints
- You’re fearful or anxious about dental care
- Several complex procedures are required
- You’re especially sensitive to pain
Oral Conscious Sedation & How It Works
At the office of A Scott Grivas III, DDS, we offer oral conscious sedation. Oral conscious sedation combines oral sedatives and anesthetics.
Sedatives work by slowing down the parts of the brain that control fear and anxiety. This produces a calming effect that relaxes your muscles and decreases stress.
Anesthetics work by interrupting nerve signals between your brain and body. This prevents your brain from processing pain. This makes it easier for the dentist to complete your treatment while helping you stay calm and comfortable during their procedure.
What To Expect From Oral Conscious Sedation
First, you’ll need to enlist someone you trust to escort you to and from your appointment. You’ll take the prescribed sedative medication at home before your appointment. When you arrive, our team will ensure you’re as comfortable as possible before beginning your procedure Afterwards, your escort will make sure you get home safely.
The effects of the sedative should wear off by the next day. Because you’ll be conscious during the procedure, you’ll be able to respond to questions and requests without experiencing any discomfort. After your care is complete, you may not remember much about the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oral conscious sedation is one of the safest sedation options available. Complications are rare and your vitals will be monitored closely.
Possible side effects include nausea, headaches, drowsiness, low blood pressure, and memory loss. However, these effects tend to clear up a few hours after the procedure.
Be sure to discuss your medical history with your dentist and inform them of any medications you’re taking to avoid complications.
You should not eat for up to six hours before your procedure. This helps ensure that the sedative takes full effect and that you don’t suffer from nausea during treatment.
Drinking clear liquids for hydration is acceptable, but should be stopped two hours before your procedure begins.
Depending on the dental treatment you receive, you may need to avoid certain foods for a period after your procedure. Your dentist will give you any necessary dietary guidelines to follow after you leave our office.
Generally, the effects begin within 30-60 minutes of taking your medication and can last from two to eight hours after the procedure. This can vary based on which medication you’re given and your own biology.
Overcome Dental Anxiety With Sedation Dentistry Solutions
Avoiding the dentist because of fear and anxiety can prevent you from getting the dental care you need to live your best life. At the office of A. Scott Grivas III, DDS, we use sedation to make your experience as relaxed and comfortable as possible. Call our office at (916) 929-9222 or request an appointment and let us help you overcome your fears and achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
