How Does Oral Sedation Dentistry Work?
- By Mary Marks
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- 20 Jul, 2023
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Have you ever felt anxious or fearful about going to the dentist? If so, you're definitely not alone. Many people experience dental anxiety, which can make it challenging to undergo necessary dental treatments. Thankfully, oral sedation dentistry Highlands Ranch offers a viable solution to help patients relax and feel more comfortable during dental procedures.
Oral sedation involves the use of oral sedative medications that are taken before the dental appointment. These medications belong to a class called benzodiazepines, which have a calming effect on the central nervous system. They actually help reduce anxiety and induce a state of relaxation without rendering the patient completely unconscious.
Typically, you'll be instructed to take the medication about an hour before your appointment, allowing enough time for it to take effect. Once the medication kicks in, you'll start to feel more at ease. You may still be conscious and able to respond to your dentist's instructions, but you'll likely feel drowsy and more relaxed than usual. The sedative medication helps to reduce your sensitivity to pain and discomfort, making the dental procedure much more tolerable.
During the procedure, your dentist and the dental team will closely monitor your vital signs and ensure your safety throughout the entire process. They will also administer local anesthesia to numb the treatment area, further enhancing your comfort during the procedure.
It's important to understand that the effects of oral sedation can vary from person to person. Some individuals may feel mildly sedated, while others may experience a deeper level of relaxation. The dosage and type of medication prescribed will depend on your specific needs and the complexity of the dental procedure involved.
Although oral sedation dentistry Highlands Ranch is one of the optionsavailable for managing anxiety and discomfort during oral surgery, you certainly do not need to use it all the time. As a matter of fact, the exact type of sedation or anesthesia that you receive during oral procedures may depend on various factors, such as the complexity of the procedure, your medical problems, as well as your doctor’s preferences.
There can be several different levels of sedation that can be used in oral surgery. Local anesthesia is one of them. This involves injecting anesthetic medication into the specific area where the surgery will take place. It numbs the area and is often used for less invasive procedures.
Oral sedation involves taking medication in the form of a pill to induce a state of relaxation and drowsiness. The patient is still conscious, but he/she may not be fully aware of the procedure. At any rate, sedation helps him/her get rid of anxiety.
In the case of intravenous sedation, medication is administered through a vein, which induces a deeper state of sedation than oral sedation. Patients may still be conscious, but they are less aware of their surroundings and may not remember the procedure.
