Oral Sedation: How it Works

Many people avoid getting the dental care they need because of fear. Intense fear of the dentist is called dental anxiety or dental phobia, and it is a recognized psychological condition. Left untreated, decay and oral diseases can escalate into major health problems. Now fearful patients can rely on oral sedation as a safe and effective way to decrease dental anxiety.

The dentist prescribes a pill for the patient to ingest about an hour before treatment. Once the medicine takes effect, the dentist will begin dental procedures. The patient will feel completely relaxed, anxiety will completely subside, and some patients have no memory of the dental visit the following day. After treatment, the patient will need a driver because anxiolytic effects can last for several hours.

Patients who have put off dental treatment because of anxiety should explore oral sedation as a way to receive the dental care they need and deserve.

Advantages to Oral Sedation:

• Patients relax and have little memory of the procedure.
• Doctors can perform longer and more complex procedures in a shorter time.
• It can help people who are afraid of needles or have trouble getting numb.
• The relaxing effect allows patients to feel less uncomfortable after dental work.