Sedation Dentistry

For oral or conscious sedation, the dentist will prescribe you a sedative (usually 2 pills) for the night before and the day of, one hour before your dental procedure.

Sedation dentistry helps you feel calm, relaxed and at ease during the dental procedure. During the sedation, you will technically be awake but feel carefree and relaxed and be awaken by a gentle nudge. It is also called conscious sedation or “twilight sleep” because it creates a state of short term amnesia(forgetfulness) where you are relaxed enough to have a good experience while being treated in the dentist’s office.

Sedation dentistry is most commonly used for patients who are nervous about having their teeth cleaned or treated. However, it can also be used for individuals with other issues such as sleep apnea or difficulty swallowing. Sedation dentistry can also be used to help manage pain during certain procedures.

Some patients choose to have sedation dentistry for their dental care simply because they want a more relaxed experience. Others may actually fear the pain involved in traditional dental procedures, such as tooth extractions or fillings.

• We would recommend it for patients with:
• Dental anxiety.
• Lengthy treatment.
• Am overly sensitive gag reflex.
• Fear of needles.
• Extremely sensitive teeth.
• Feeling of claustrophobia while in the dental chair.
• Decreased sensitivity to local anesthesia.
• Difficulty controlling movements.

No needles – just a simple pill. Oral conscious sedation is so-called because it is taken orally, making it an extremely convenient and popular option amongst our patients. For patients undergoing oral conscious sedation, we advise them to have an escort to and from the dental office arranged, as they will be unable to drive in a sedated state. The process entails the following:

Oral Conscious Sedation is the most effective and least invasive of all the sedation modalities. It can reduce the discomfort of procedures and the chances of complications occurring.

Oral Conscious Sedation provides a more natural experience for patients by lessening the effects of sedation in their mouths while still allowing them to remain conscious during treatment. This means that you can talk to your dentist and have a conversation with them throughout your visit, making it easier for you to feel at ease during your appointment.

It’s important to note that oral conscious sedation is only used when other forms of sedation are not an option or are not as effective at providing relief from pain during treatment. This includes Novocaine, local anesthesia, general anesthesia, and IV sedation.

This first step is often referred to as pre-consultation. The dentist will have a detailed discussion about your dental needs and answer any questions you may have about sedation dentistry. They’ll discuss your health history and ask about any medications or supplements you take.

You shouldn’t eat or drink anything for at least six hours before your dental appointment. Unless otherwise noted by your dentist, you should take all routine medications without interruption.

Be sure to tell your dentist if you’re taking any blood thinners, antidepressants, mood-altering drugs, or other drugs that will alter your alertness.

Sedation dentistry is generally safe and effective when performed by an experienced dentist, such as Dr. Anu Isaac, who is familiar with how to use sedatives. However, there are some risks and complications you should know about before undergoing this type of treatment:

The risks of sedation dentistry include:

• Sedated patients can experience memory loss or confusion. This may be due to the medication used.
• Sedated patients may have difficulty swallowing or talking.
• Sedation can affect your ability to drive or perform other tasks that require alertness.
• Sedation dentistry can cause nausea, vomiting, headache.
• If you are allergic to any medications or anesthetics, you may experience anaphylaxis after receiving these treatments.
• Increased risk of sleepwalking (lingering drowsiness).