What is oral sedation?
Fear of the dentist is extraordinarily common. Maybe you’ve had a bad experience with another dentist or a particular treatment. Maybe you’ve just never felt comfortable during any dental procedure. You may not even be able to pinpoint the cause, and that’s OK.
Dr. Horst understands that dental anxiety can stop you from receiving the care you need or want. To get you past your discomfort and on to the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve, she offers a number of sedation dentistry options. These techniques, which include oral medication, are designed to help you relax and stay calm prior undergoing a procedure.
How does oral sedation work?
In some cases, your dental anxiety may be more pronounced, and nitrous oxide, a more traditional method for sedation, may be insufficient to calm you.
In that case, Dr. Horst offers Halcion®, a sedative and oral medication that alleviates discomfort and suppresses the central nervous system. She prescribes medication based on your anxiety level, medical history, the complexity of the procedure, and several other factors.
You will feel sleepy after taking the medication; however, you should awaken easily and be able to respond to simple requests. Your care and comfort are Dr. Horst’s highest priority, and she monitors you throughout the procedure to ensure everything is going well.
If you receive oral medication, you will need a ride home from a friend or family member following treatment. Additionally, you’ll remain at the office for a brief observation period to ensure the procedure was successful and that there are no concerns.
Dr. Horst and her team discuss the details of your visit before the appointment day so that you’re well-informed and prepared for the experience.
What are the benefits of oral sedation?
Oral sedation is helpful in minimizing discomfort and improving your experience at the dentist. Some of the benefits include:
- Helpfulness if you’ve had traumatic dental experiences
- Good for patients who have a sensitive gag reflex or sensitive teeth
- Reduces fear of needles or other dental tools
- Alleviates discomfort from the sounds, tastes, and/or scents associated with dental treatment
Since oral sedation allows you to be conscious and in control, you can have a pleasant dental experience while still being able to communicate with Dr. Horst and her team during the procedure.
To learn more about oral sedation dentistry methods and make a plan for your first appointment, call the office or book a consultation online today.
