Oral Sedation - Pill Sedation | Precautions & Procedure
What is oral (conscious) sedation?
Oral sedation, also called pill sedation, is one of the sedation dentistry strategies and calms down the patients during dental treatment. In this strategy, Dr. Adatrow would prescribe you a sedative pill to be consumed hours before the dental procedure. The oral sedative would be a Benzodiazepine (i.e., Valium, Xanax, or Halcion). The sedative would reduce brain activity, especially the areas controlling fear and anxiety, making the patient calmer and relaxed.
How does oral sedation work?
The various strategies used to relax or relax patients prior to and during dental treatments are covered by oral sedation. You've certainly heard of laughing gas, which is commonly used before dental treatments like crowns or root canals. Oral sedation, on the other hand, is a far broader and more complex field than just laughing gas, with a wide range of choices for patients who are anxious or even afraid of going to the dentist.
Your dentist will not provide you oral sedation as part of your pain management plan. That phase of the process is covered by numbing drugs and injections. If the thought of getting a shot in your gums makes you nervous, dental sedation can help you relax to the point where you can tolerate it. Even though you're awake during the treatment, you could not remember it if you're given certain types of sedation.
What are the benefits of oral sedation?
- Comfort
- Fewer appointments
- Enhanced quality of treatment
- No needles
What can the experience of oral sedation be compared to?
Undergoing Oral Sedation would be similar to the consumption of 5-7 beers.
5-7 beers = Oral Sedation
5-7 beers = Oral Sedation
What precautions should I take for oral sedation?
You have to adhere to the instructions provided to you by our dental team. Recovery from oral sedation is not instantaneous as inhalation sedation but is faster than general anesthesia. However, we would recommend you ask someone to accompany you on the day of the procedure. You might still be a little drowsy after the procedure for a couple of hours, so we recommend that you not drive home or operate heavy machinery after the procedure.
Will I experience pain during oral sedation?
The purpose of oral sedation is for you to feel secure and fully relaxed. The sedative can make you feel drowsy and utterly pain-free so that within just one office visit, the dentist would be able to conduct several dental procedures.
How will I feel during oral sedation?
During oral conscious sedation, you will feel drowsy, but you would remain alert. You will respond to verbal commands, and you can be woken with a gentle shake. You will feel relaxed and react well to the doctor's instructions. You will recollect very little about the procedure like it all happened in the dream.
When do I need oral sedation?
Prior to your dental appointment, discuss your fears and concerns with your dentist. When it comes to sedation, your dentist will help you find a solution that's customized to your unique needs. People who have tender nerves or smaller mouths, however, may benefit from sedation as operations result in increased pain and suffering for these patients. Other people may require sedation to assist them in overcoming their anxiety and phobias while they are going to the dentist or getting any kind of medical procedure done.
Involuntary sleep induction, sometimes referred to as oral sedation, is a typical approach for people to face their fear or pain during dental visits. Anxiety may lead you to put off your next appointment, so if you have an upcoming dental appointment, it's always a good idea to discuss sedation with your dentist.