Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves taking a medication in pill form to put you into a sedated state. Oral sedation is ideal for patients with anxiety over visiting the office or those who are having more invasive procedures done. Unlike IV sedation, oral sedation requires a simple pill that is taken the same way you’d take a vitamin or a pain reliever. The effects typically start to kick in within 30 to 60 minutes of taking the medication.
Why is Oral Sedation needed?
Most often, oral sedation is needed if a patient has severe anxiety or suffers panic attacks while having work done in the office. This sedative option is ideal for those who continually forgo dental appointments and who want to feel more relaxed while in the office. Oral sedation works effectively to put you into a relaxed, comfortable state. You will need someone to bring you home from your appointment after taking an oral sedative.
What makes you a good candidate for Oral Sedation?
To determine if you’re a good candidate for oral sedation, you’ll need to come in for a consultation. We will go over your health and medical history and may recommend other options if you are taking certain medications. It is important that you take the oral sedative at least a half an hour before the start of your appointment. This ensures that it is working correctly and will relax you enough for your visit with us.
What happens during Oral Sedation?
Your consultation will allow us to determine if an oral sedative is right for you. From there, we will prescribe the medication and will instruct you when to take it. You may choose to take it before your appointment with us. It is crucial that you have another person both drive you to and from your appointment because you may be too impaired to drive. The oral sedative will typically kick in after a half an hour but could take as long as one hour to take full effect. We will then perform the dental procedure as needed and you’ll be ready to go home.
If you’re interested in oral sedation and would like to discuss your sedative options with us, call our office and our friendly staff members will be happy to further assist you.
