Is Relaxation Dentistry the Same as Oral Sedation Dentistry?
- By Mary Marks
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- 05 Apr, 2023
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Relaxation dentistry and oral sedation dentistry Highlands Ranch offers are similar in that they both aim to help patients feel more comfortable and relaxed during dental procedures. However, there are some differences between the two, even though people sometimes use the terms interchangeably:
- Relaxation dentistry: This term is often used to describe a range of techniques or approaches that dentists use to help their patients feel more at ease during dental procedures. This may include techniques such as deep breathing exercises, aromatherapy, or the use of relaxation music. Relaxation dentistry is generally considered to be a non-pharmacological approach to managing anxiety.
- Oral sedation dentistry: This approach involves the use of medications to help patients feel more relaxed during dental procedures. The sedative medication is usually administered in pill form, and patients are typically awake and able to respond to the dentist's instructions during the procedure. Oral sedation dentistry is a pharmacological approach to managing anxiety.
So while both relaxation dentistry and oral sedation dentistry aim to help patients feel more relaxed and comfortable during dental procedures, the approaches are different. Relaxation dentistry relies on non-pharmacological techniques, while oral sedation dentistry involves the use of medications.





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.




