Oral sedation is a sedative option that can help patients overcome their dental anxiety. This is for patients whose fear of dental procedures is so acute that they avoid going to a dentist.
At Sandia Peak Dental, our team will work directly with the patients to recognize the source of their concerns and offer a way to deal with them. Oral sedation provides a great option to reduce the stress associated with dental procedures.
What Is Oral Sedation?
Oral sedation uses prescription drugs to help patients remain calm before and during their treatments. It can be used for minor teeth cleanings to more invasive treatments like dental implants.
The amount of oral sedatives given will be based on the severity of the patient's anxiety, as well as body weight and pre-existing medical conditions. Patients are generally awake and lucid during their procedures and are in a position to respond to the dentist's queries.
Procedure for Oral Sedation
The entire process is relatively simple and easy — just take the oral sedative pill. The oral sedatives have to be consumed a few hours before the designated dental procedure to achieve correct relaxation.
It is suggested that the patient be accompanied by a friend or a family member to the dental office. As you have already taken the oral medication, you will arrive at our office feeling more calm and relaxed.
Sedative drugs have an amnesic effect, keeping you from remembering a lot about the dental procedure. The dreamy effects of the medicines should wear off by the following day.
Benefits of Oral Sedation
- Easy to Administer
Oral sedation is the least complicated among all the sedation options. All that is needed is to consume the pill a couple of hours before the procedure.
- Amnesia
Patients will have a vague memory of their dental treatment because of the strong effects of the oral drugs. This is very helpful for patients who are scared of dental procedures.
- No Needles
Most patients suffering from dental phobias also fear needles used during the administration of intravenous sedation. But with oral sedation, the need for needles does not arise as the drugs have to be consumed orally.
- Safe
The oral sedatives do not have any dangerous side effects and are totally safe to use.
If you need dental treatment but worry about the pain and discomfort, learn more about our dental sedation options at Sandia Peak Dental, 8000 Eubank Blvd NE, Albuquerque NM 87122. You can also reach Dentist Albuquerque, NM at (505) 298-6732 and schedule an appointment.
