Conscious Oral Sedation

What is Conscious Oral Sedation?

Millions of Americans avoid the dentist due to traumatic experiences as children, suffered pain as adults, or heard horror stories. No matter the reason, far too many of these individuals simply stopped seeking routine dental care because they were frightened. Now they’re jeopardizing not only their dental state but their overall health status.

Modern dentistry offers many new tools and options that make necessary treatments not only tolerable but even comfortable. Conscious oral sedation medications help relax patients by slowing the action of the central nervous system. People remain aware of their surroundings, but are less responsive to things going on around them. It also reduces their sense of pain. When patients are comfortable, but still awake, the dentist and dental team are able to proceed more efficiently. Sedation dentists, whom have undertook hours of additional education, can often perform a number of procedures in a single visit. The sedatives are not addictive and don’t carry many side effects. The dental team will ask a series of questions about overall health and other prescriptions in order to minimize the likelihood of any harm. It’s important to answer the questions as accurately as possible to ensure a safe outcome. The dentist and dental team will monitor the patient throughout the entire procedure and ensure that they leave the office with a companion or escort. Patients may feel the hours passed very quickly or otherwise retain little memory of their time in the office.