The dentist. You’ve been avoiding seeing one for far too long because of your bad past experiences, but now you need complex work done on your teeth. Just the thought of the sounds and the bright light make your blood pressure rise. Wouldn’t it be amazing if there was a pill you could take to calm down? In fact, there is!
Oral conscious sedation is one of the most popular ways for patients who have dental phobia to overcome their fears and receive the treatment they need. Keep reading for more information about how one little pill could help you breeze through your appointments.
Benefits of Oral Conscious Sedation
If you have other forms of sedation available like nitrous oxide, you may be wondering why taking the sedative orally would be beneficial. Although it isn’t necessarily fast acting, oral sedation helps you reach a deeper level of relaxation. You are awake but not truly aware of your surroundings.
You may even fall asleep because you feel so calm, but you can easily be roused and respond lucidly enough to questions or requests. If you suffer from moderate or severe anxiety about visiting the dentist, oral medication is a great option!
Most Common Oral Conscious Sedation Drugs
Overall, many dentists prescribe triazolam for oral conscious sedation. This drug is in the diazepam or Valium family and makes you groggy. It typically lasts about two and a half hours, and it is strong, so it is ideal for longer, more complex procedures.
Other common medications dentists prescribe to take orally include zaleplon and lorazepam. Regardless of the specific drug your dentist uses for your procedure, they will keep a close eye on your vital signs to make sure you’re safe and comfortable throughout your visit.
Choosing the Right Sedation
When determining which sedation method is best for you, there are several things you need to keep in mind. First, you shouldn’t necessarily wait until the day of your appointment to talk to your dentist about sedation. Your dentist needs a bit of notice to submit your prescription to the pharmacy, and you usually need to take the pill about an hour before your appointment.
In addition, your dentist must have certain information before sending in your prescription, including your medical history and medications you’re currently taking.
Lastly, you’ll need to arrange to have a family member or friend drive you to and from your appointment because the effects can continue for a while after the visit.
In the end, taking care of your smile doesn’t have to be a scary experience. When you take advantage of an oral sedative, you and your dentist can get necessary dental work done without causing you stress. Contact your dentist and tell them about your anxiety today so you can smile with confidence again!
About the Author
Dr. David Thomas has been practicing in the Burien area for several years. After earning his dental degree at the University of Pittsburg, he completed an Advanced Education of General Dentistry residency. He has also continued to expand his skills in dentistry through continuing education coursework and is proud to offer oral conscious sedation. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Thomas, you can contact Seahurst Park Dentistry of Burien by calling 206-244-4622 or clicking here.
