Oral conscious sedation in Torrington is a means by which a dentist can help patients remain relaxed and calm during their treatments. It produces a powerful feeling of well-being and may even make patients drift off to sleep. In many cases, it is a key to helping people conquer their dental anxiety. Is it right for you? In this blog post, we will discuss what oral conscious sedation is, who may benefit from it, and who may need to explore other options.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Your dentist will prescribe a powerful sedative in pill form, which you will swallow about an hour before your appointment. As the medication takes effect, you will become very relaxed and perhaps even somewhat drowsy. Once the sedation is in full effect, your procedure can begin. Your dental team will closely monitor your blood pressure and blood oxygen levels during your treatment as a safety precaution.
Candidates for Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is safe for the vast majority of patients. It may work well for you if:
- You are anxious about going to the dentist
- You have a strong gag reflex
- You must undergo a lengthy or complex procedure
- Numbing agents are not very effective on you
- You dislike the idea of using types of sedation that involve the use of needles
- You will have a friend or family member available to drive you to and from your appointment
- You wish to forget your dental procedure (in many cases, oral conscious sedation has very minor amnesia as a side effect)
Who Should Not Use Oral Conscious Sedation?
While oral conscious sedation works well for most people, there are some exceptions. Your dentist will need to take a thorough medical history to determine if you have any conditions that might make it unwise for you to be sedated in this way.
You might not be a candidate for oral conscious sedation if:
- You are pregnant or nursing
- You have a history of drug use
- You have a high tolerance for certain medications
- You are allergic to the medication your dentist would prescribe for oral conscious sedation
- You have acute narrow-angle glaucoma
- You suffer from bipolar disorder or depression
If your dentist determines that oral conscious sedation is not a fit for you, they will help you explore other means by which you can enjoy a more comfortable treatment experience.
Oral conscious sedation offers a remarkable solution for many people who would otherwise dread going to the dentist. Your local sedation dentist can determine whether it is right for you.
About the Author
Dr. Virginia Graicerstein is the experienced general dentist at Torrington Dental Care. She has been working in her profession for decades, and she has served families in Connecticut since 2003. She is qualified to offer oral conscious sedation to help patients enjoy a positive, comfortable experience in our office, regardless of which type of treatment they may need to undergo. To learn more about Dr. Graicerstein, our practice, and our policies, contact us at 860-489-8940.