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Sedation 101: Learn All about Oral Conscious Sedation

May 9, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — dentalimpress @ 4:45 pm
man about to take oral conscious sedation

Visiting the dentist isn’t your favorite thing to do. In fact, maybe you avoid it entirely! But dental visits don’t have to fill you with fear, whether you’ve had bad experiences or you feel anxious from the sounds and the bright light. Did you know that there is a little pill you can take to feel at ease?

If you have moderate or severe dental phobia, or you are going to be undergoing complex treatment, oral conscious sedation may be exactly what you need! In this post, you’ll learn more information about this solution and how it can change your mind about dental appointments.

Considering Oral Conscious Sedation

While other forms of sedation have their place, oral conscious sedation is a popular option. Nitrous oxide is beneficial for mild cases of dental anxiety, but it is not terribly strong. On the other side of the spectrum, IV sedation is powerful, but it involves needles, which can be anxiety-inducing on its own!

For many patients, taking the sedative orally is a good middle ground. It takes a while for the effects to kick in, but oral sedation does provide a deeper level of relaxation. As the name implies, you remain awake without being bothered by whatever’s going on around you. In fact, you may not remember details from your procedure.

Most Common Drugs Used for Oral Conscious Sedation

In general, dentists prescribe an oral drug called triazolam, which is in the diazepam or Valium family. This type of drug makes you feel very groggy and relaxed and usually lasts two and a half hours, making it ideal for more complex procedures.

Other than triazolam, zaleplon and lorazepam are the other most commonly prescribed medications for oral conscious sedation. No matter which one your dentist chooses for you, they will do what they can to make your appointment comfortable and easy for you.

Preparing for Oral Sedation

When it comes to oral sedation, you can’t leave it to the last minute. In fact, First, you need to start preparing for it well in advance by talking to your dentist about your anxiety. After learning about your medical history and current medications, they need some time to submit your prescription to the pharmacy. Once you have the pill, you take it typically about an hour before you arrive for your visit. 

Then, you also must have someone drive you to and from your dentist’s office as the effects are likely to continue after you’re done.

Ultimately, your dentist isn’t your enemy—they want to help you have a healthy, strong smile! Oral conscious sedation can help you feel calm and have a better experience in the dentist’s chair.

About the Author

With more than 15 years of experience, Dr. Sweeta Walia brings expertise to every appointment. She has advanced training in dental implant, orthodontics, and cosmetic procedures, and she is proud to offer three sedation options at Dental Impressions of Mesquite: oral conscious, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation. If you would like to take advantage of sedation at your next appointment with Dr. Walia, contact our office online or call us at 972-288-3200.

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