Getting the dental treatment you need to protect your smile and dental health can feel overwhelming, especially if it's something more complex, such as a tooth extraction or implant dentistry. However, it doesn't have to be that way when you have options for dental sedation.
At Shiflett Family Dental, we offer solutions like oral conscious sedation that allow patients to complete their dental treatment in a relaxed and comfortable manner.
Key Takeaways about Oral Conscious Sedation
- What it is: A pill-based sedation method that helps you feel deeply relaxed and at ease during your dental appointment.
- Benefits: Reduces anxiety, minimizes gag reflex, allows for longer procedures, and often results in little to no memory of the treatment.
- Safety: Administered by a qualified dentist and requires a designated driver for your appointment.
- Who it's for: Patients with severe dental fear, a bad gag reflex, or those needing extensive treatment.
What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?
If you choose to have oral sedation with your dental treatment, Dr. Shiflett will prescribe a pill that you will take one hour prior to your procedure. You will need to arrange transportation to and from your dental appointment. Due to the nature of the medication, you won't be able to safely drive after your procedure.
The medication helps you feel deeply relaxed, almost as if you were sleeping, yet you're still conscious and responsive. It also has an amnesic effect, which means you'll have little to no memory of your treatment afterward.
Since this is a deeper level of sedation, it's advisable to plan to have the remainder of the day off from your normal activities to recover.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Dr. Shiflett may recommend oral sedation for these patients:
- Those with a bad gag reflex
- Those who have trouble sitting comfortably for long periods
- Those who need multiple complex treatment procedures and want to complete them during one visit
- Those who have mental, physical, or emotional special needs
- Those with severe dental fear or anxiety
What Are the Benefits of Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation offers significant advantages for patients who feel anxious or uncomfortable at the dentist. By inducing a state of deep relaxation, it allows you to complete necessary dental work without fear. The key benefits include:
- Relieves Severe Dental Anxiety: The medication is highly effective at calming nerves, helping you feel peaceful and comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Eliminates a Strong Gag Reflex: For many patients, a sensitive gag reflex can make dental work difficult or impossible. Sedation helps to suppress this reflex, allowing for more efficient and comfortable treatment.
- Enables Longer Appointments: For patients who need multiple procedures or complex treatments like dental implant surgery, sedation allows for a single, extended visit rather than several shorter, stressful ones.
- Creates an Amnesic Effect: Many patients find the "amnesic effect" to be a major benefit. You will have little to no recollection of the sights, sounds, or sensations of the procedure, making the experience feel quick and effortless.
Would You Like to Learn More about Oral Conscious Sedation in Ohio?
We invite you to talk with Dr. Shiflett about your options during an evaluation if you feel that oral sedation may be right for your needs. You can request your appointment online or call our team at (614) 972-1368 to schedule an appointment.