Professional dental care is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile, but many people have difficulty remaining still and calm when they see their dentists. Fortunately, sedation dentistry can be a great way to help many people enjoy pleasant and effective dental appointments. Here’s a quick look at how oral conscious sedation works and who can benefit from it.
What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is a safe and effective way to reduce a dental patient’s awareness of discomfort and help them remain calm when receiving necessary or cosmetic dental treatment. The process always begins with a consultation so a qualified dentist can evaluate the patient’s oral health and medical history to make sure they are a suitable candidate. If the patient is cleared for the treatment, the dentist will prescribe them a small sedative pill to be taken before their upcoming appointment.
If the patient takes the pill as directed, the effects should begin briefly before their treatment begins. Oral conscious sedation produces feelings of wellbeing and reduces sensitivity to pain. While it’s unlikely that you will fall asleep while sedated, you may have difficulty remembering the details of your appointment afterward. The sedative effects will take several hours to wear off, so you will need to have a trusted individual drive you home from the appointment and monitor you to make sure you are safe for a while afterward.
Who Can Be a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation may be an excellent option if you deal with issues like:
- Fear or anxiety related to dental appointments.
- Difficulty sitting still in the treatment chair.
- A hypersensitive gag reflex.
- Discomfort when holding your mouth open for prolonged periods.
- Being scheduled for multiple treatments during one appointment.
However, oral conscious sedation is not for everyone, so you may not qualify for the treatment due to reasons like:
- Pregnancy.
- Being prescribed medications that may react negatively with the sedative.
- A history of substance abuse.
- Being allergic to the sedative used for the treatment.
Don’t let anxiety about seeing your dentist set you up for poor oral health and painful infections. Consulting with your oral health professional can help you find the best way to make your appointments pleasant and productive.
About the Practice
Peabody Smile Design offers the finest oral healthcare in town. Led by Drs. Dhara Shah, Aditya Kashyap, and Ohan Manoukian, the staff treats each patient with compassion, respect, and outstanding customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as sedation services. To learn more about the benefits of sedation dentistry, contact the office online or dial (978) 278-5478.