Oral Conscious Sedation
Portland, OR
 When you are faced with an oral health problem, treatment is needed to restore the health of your mouth and prevent more serious issues from occurring. However, if the thought of any dental treatment fills you with dread and anxiety, these feelings can cause you avoid getting necessary treatment. In doing so, your oral health only continues to worsen and becomes a dental emergency, and the need for more invasive, more expensive treatments arise. At West End Dental, we can help you to get the dental treatment you need, when you need them, with oral conscious sedation.
Why Undergo Sedation?
Sedation is a common way to help patients who experience fear or anxiety when it comes to undergoing dental treatment. Under sedation, you can relax in the chair and remain completely calm while we perform the necessary dental procedures, to restore your oral health and the appearance of your smile.
While fear and anxiety are common reasons for undergoing sedation, there are other reasons you may require sedation as well.
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Your pain threshold is low.
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Your teeth are exceptionally sensitive.
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You find it difficult to sit still.
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You have a bad gag reflex.
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You require some different procedures or your procedure will take a long time to complete. |
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is a form of moderate sedation. Usually one or two pills are taken by mouth before your scheduled appointment. Under moderate sedation, you become drowsy, but you are still conscious throughout your procedure. Many patients report experiencing temporary amnesia, in which they are unable to recall parts of the procedure or even any of it at all.
The day of your appointment, you arrive at the office about 45-60 minutes before your procedure is scheduled. Your medication will be dispensed after reviewing the procedure and being given the opportunity to ask any questions. Common types of oral conscious sedation medicines are triazolam, lorazepam, midazolam and diazepam. The medication is meant to be taken approximately 30-60 minutes before your appointment. It is recommended to not eat within 4 hours of your appointment, as a full stomach diminishes the effectiveness of the medication. It is required that you have a responsible person accompany you to your appointment. After your procedure, the effects of the sedation can still last for several hours, so it will be important that this person also be able to bring you back home.
The Benefits of Oral Conscious Sedation
There are many benefits to oral conscious sedation.
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This type of sedation is completely safe. You are monitored closely throughout the duration of your procedure.
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No special equipment is needed.
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There are no needles involved.
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Sedation helps to keep you completely relaxed throughout the duration of your procedure so that you can remain calm and comfortable. |
Are There Any Drawbacks to Oral Conscious Sedation?
There are a few drawbacks to oral conscious sedation.
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The time it takes the medication to start working is not exact. While the average is about 30 minutes, some patients start feeling the effects earlier, and others take longer.
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You need to have a driver with you who can both bring you in and bring you home.
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You may feel groggy as the effects begin to wear off.
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You may experience temporary amnesia. You may not remember your procedure or other things that occur while you are under the effects of oral conscious sedation. For some patients, however, this can be a benefit. |
If fear and anxiety are keeping you out of the dental chair, prohibiting you from getting the treatments you need, oral conscious sedation may be able to help. Call West End Dental today and find out if oral conscious sedation is right for you at (503) 446-2957. |
