Easing Dental Anxiety with Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral Conscious Sedation
For most people, undergoing dental treatment is not something they would consider a pleasant experience, but for many it is a manageable experience and not a source of too much stress. However, for some, the anxiety or fear that is experienced when undergoing even the most basic dental exam can prevent them from seeing a dentist at all.By neglecting professional dental care, patients put themselves at risk for serious oral health problems, and the need for even more invasive dental treatments. Cosmetic dentist Clint Newman strives to create a comfortable and pleasant dental experience for all of his patients so that they do not hesitate to get the dental care they need. For those of our Nashville patients with dental anxiety, oral conscious sedation dentistry is available to ease fears and create a state of relaxation.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Dr. Newman offers sedation dentistry to remove fear and anxiety from dental appointments. Oral conscious sedation is a type of sedation that relaxes patients to the point that fear and pain are not felt during treatment, but without putting them to sleep. While the patient remains conscious and somewhat aware throughout treatment, it is common to feel drowsy and many have little memory of the appointment once sedation has worn off.Oral conscious sedation is one of the most common forms of sedation dentistry because it is safe, is virtually free of side effects, and is easily administered. Oral conscious sedation treatment actually begins at home, typically 30 minutes to an hour before the scheduled dental appointment. The patient simply swallows a pill that creates a feeling of comfort and relaxation. Because the pill is easy to swallow and is taken at home, administration of the sedative is not a source of anxiety as it may be with other types of sedation. This allows the patient to feel secure and relaxed immediately upon arriving for their dental appointment. It is important to note that, because sedation will be in effect, patients will need transportation to and from their appointment.
While the amount of time that sedation remains in effect will vary slightly for each patient, they last long enough to get patients through even the most invasive dental treatment without fear or pain. After treatment is complete and the effects of oral conscious sedation have worn off, most patients have little to no memory of treatment.
Benefits of Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is a safe and effective method of easing dental anxiety so that patients can undergo general, cosmetic, or restorative dental treatments in comfort. Below are some additional advantages of oral conscious sedation:- Easy to administer
- Works well for most patients
- Safe and easy to monitor
- Affordable
