Stress-Free Smiles: Who’s a Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?

If you suffer from anxiety when it’s time to visit your dentist, you’re not alone; an estimated 36% of Americans share your apprehension. If you’re overly afraid, you might avoid scheduling essential procedures or even routine checkups, which can put your oral health at risk.

Your dentist can thankfully provide oral conscious sedation to help you feel calm and relaxed throughout your appointment. However, before proceeding, they must confirm whether you are a good candidate for this medication. Continue reading to learn more about it and make an informed decision regarding your dental care!

What is Oral Conscious Sedation?

This sedative comes as a pill that your dentist prescribes before your scheduled appointment. Typically, you’re expected to take it before you arrive so the drugs kick in by the time your procedure begins. Depending on your unique needs, the dosage impact can range from minimal to moderate.

If you’re concerned that you’ll be rendered unconscious, you can set your worries aside. You can expect to feel drowsy and calm, but you won’t be “knocked out.” You’ll still be awake and able to respond to questions or directions from your provider.

Am I A Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?

Before receiving any dental sedation, your dentist must ensure you’re a good candidate. At your initial consultation, they’ll gather your medical history and inquire about current medications or supplements to ensure they don’t give you anything that could harm your overall health. Some providers offer multiple options so that if you’re ineligible for one type, you might be a good fit for another.

You could potentially benefit from oral conscious sedation if you have:

• Dental anxiety that manifests as nausea, shaking, palpitations, sweating, or an elevated heart rate.
• Difficulty sitting still or holding your mouth open for long periods.
• A strong gag reflex that’s easily triggered.
• A resistance to numbing agents.
• Acute or chronic jaw pain.
• Behavioral or physical limitations that hinder dental work.
• A fear of needles that prevents proper application of local anesthetics.
• Fear of dental visits that keeps you from attending appointments.  

Is Oral Conscious Sedation Safe?

As long as a licensed professional prescribes your medication, it’s considered safe for most people. The oral sedatives your dentist uses have been researched for decades and have very few associated risks. Plus, your dental team will monitor your health stats before, during, and after your procedure to ensure that you remain within healthy ranges.

However, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, have severe respiratory issues, a history of recreational drug abuse, or a known allergy, it can cause complications and isn’t recommended.

If you’re still unsure whether this sedative is right for you, the best way to find out is to consult with your dentist!

About the Practice

At Orange Place Family Dentistry, you benefit from two dentists dedicated to helping people of all ages build happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Koops and Dr. Mollica offer a full array of services to meet your family’s needs conveniently under one roof. They combine a caring and respectful approach with state-of-the-art technology to enhance patient comfort while delivering fully personalized treatments. If you’re anxious about an upcoming appointment and want to discuss sedation options, you can contact the office on the website or call (216) 464-2448.