If you’re nervous about visiting the dentist for any reason, you may be considering having sedation dentistry administered to make your next visit less stressful. Oral conscious sedation can potentially be a good option for getting dental anxiety under control – but how will you know if it’s truly a good fit for you? Here’s a closer look at oral conscious sedation and what makes someone a viable candidate for it.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Oral conscious sedation is meant to put you in an advanced state of relaxation while you remain awake. It involves taking a certain amount of time prior to your dental treatment. Once the effects kick in, you’ll be able to respond to any questions or instructions that your dentist gives you, but you won’t be bothered by the sights and sounds of the dental office, and your anxiety will be alleviated. It can take a while for oral conscious sedation to fully wear off, so someone else will need to drive you home.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation may be right for you if any of the following are true:
- You often experience high levels of fear and anxiety when it comes to dental care.
- You have teeth or gums that are more sensitive than normal.
- You have an unusually strong gag reflex that can make it difficult to have dental work performed.
- You have a mouth that doesn’t get numb easily.
- You are suffering from chronic jaw pain.
- You have a hard time sitting still or holding your mouth open long enough for a dental appointment.
Is Oral Conscious Sedation Safe?
For most adults, oral conscious sedation is indeed considered safe. Your dental team will take every precaution to ensure that no problems occur; not only will they thoroughly review your health history, but they will monitor your vital signs while you’re under the effects of the sedative.
Bear in mind that oral conscious sedation is not a good choice for everyone. In particular, it is not recommended for those who are pregnant, as it could have an adverse effect on the baby. On top of that, since the medication used for oral conscious sedation will often slow down your breathing, it shouldn’t be taken if you’re currently suffering from some type of respiratory illness.
All that said, if oral conscious sedation is ultimately right for you, it could help you have a much more positive experience during your next trip to the dental office. If you think you might benefit from this form of sedation, talk to your dentist about your potential candidacy.
About the Author
Dr. Dustin C. Lively is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. At 333 Dental Care in Mangum, he provides high-quality, personalized dental care that focuses on comfort. He offers oral conscious sedation as a way to help ease his patients’ dental anxieties. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Lively, visit his website or call (580) 782-2552.