Enjoy a Comfortable, Calm Dental Experience with Oral Conscious Sedation
For patients who experience anxiety about visiting the dentist, oral conscious sedation offers a safe and effective way to help you relax during your dental procedures. At Lakeshore Dental, Dr. Alexa Crete provides oral conscious sedation to help patients feel calm and comfortable, even during more complex treatments. This form of sedation allows you to remain awake but deeply relaxed, making it easier to receive the dental care you need without stress or discomfort.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation involves taking a sedative medication in pill form before your dental appointment. The medication helps you relax and feel at ease while remaining awake and able to respond to Dr. Crete’s instructions. While you’ll be conscious during the procedure, many patients report feeling drowsy and remember little to none of the experience afterward. Oral sedation is often recommended for patients with moderate dental anxiety or those undergoing lengthy or multiple treatments in one visit.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Before your appointment, Dr. Crete will prescribe a sedative, such as a benzodiazepine, to be taken an hour before your procedure. By the time you arrive at the office, the medication will have taken effect, helping you feel calm and relaxed. You’ll remain conscious throughout the procedure, but the sedative will reduce any anxiety or discomfort you may feel. In some cases, patients may feel so relaxed that they doze off lightly, though they can still be easily awakened.
Benefits of Oral Conscious Sedation
- Reduces Anxiety: Oral sedation helps relieve anxiety and fear, making it easier for you to relax during your dental appointment.
- Comfortable Treatment: With oral sedation, you’ll feel calm and comfortable throughout the procedure, allowing for a stress-free experience.
- Amnesic Effect: Many patients don’t remember much of the procedure afterward, which can be helpful for those with dental phobias.
- Simple and Convenient: Oral sedation is easy to administer—just take a pill before your appointment, and you’ll be ready for a relaxed visit.
Who is a Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is ideal for patients who:
- Experience moderate to severe dental anxiety
- Have a history of traumatic dental experiences
- Need to undergo lengthy or multiple dental procedures in one visit
- Have a sensitive gag reflex
- Have difficulty sitting still for long periods
- Are fearful of dental tools, needles, or procedures
What to Expect with Oral Conscious Sedation
- Pre-Appointment Consultation: Dr. Crete will assess your dental needs and medical history to determine if oral conscious sedation is right for you. If it is, she will prescribe a sedative to take before your appointment.
- Sedation Before the Procedure: You will take the prescribed medication approximately one hour before your procedure. By the time you arrive at our office, the sedative will have taken effect, helping you feel calm and relaxed.
- During the Procedure: You’ll remain awake and able to communicate, but you’ll feel deeply relaxed and may not remember much of the procedure afterward.
- Post-Treatment Recovery: The sedative may leave you feeling drowsy for a few hours after your procedure, so you’ll need someone to drive you home. Dr. Crete will provide aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
FAQs About Oral Conscious Sedation at Lakeshore Dental
Will I be awake during oral conscious sedation?
Yes, you will remain awake and responsive during the procedure, though you’ll feel very relaxed and may not remember much of the treatment afterward.
How long does oral sedation last?
The effects of oral sedation can last several hours, so you’ll need to plan for some rest after your appointment. It’s important to have someone drive you to and from the office.
Is oral sedation safe?
Yes, oral sedation is a safe and widely used method for managing dental anxiety. Dr. Crete will review your medical history to ensure that sedation is appropriate for you and will monitor you throughout the procedure.
Relax with Oral Conscious Sedation at Lakeshore Dental
If you experience dental anxiety or need help feeling more comfortable during your appointment, ask us about oral conscious sedation. Contact Lakeshore Dental at (970) 221-1926 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can make your dental experience calm and stress-free.