Understanding Root Canal Procedures

What To Know About Oral Sedation For Dentistry

24 March 2019

Diane Mason

There are several types of sedation that a dentist can use to help you get through an appointment. While nitrous oxide is one of those methods, which provides an effect that takes hold quickly and wears off just as fast, it doesn't help you with the hardest part of your dental fears. You may actually have trouble physically going to the dentist office due to your fears by canceling appointments or turning your car around halfway to the office. The solution to this problem can actually be oral sedation, which is a different type of dental sedation that will get you over this hump.

What Is Oral Sedation?

Oral sedation is a pill that you take about an hour prior to your dental appointment. It helps address anxiety issues, as well as controls the pain. It helps you get sleepy and carefree so that you are willing to go to the dentist and follow through with a dental procedure that you need. You obviously won't be able to drive to or from the dentist, since oral sedation makes you sleepy for several hours, so you'll need a friend or family member to drive you.

Will Other Forms Of Sedation Dentistry Be Used As Well?

Your dentist may or may not require a second form of sedation once you arrive for your appointment. However, it is possible to use oral sedation along with nitrous oxide to make you feel even further at ease with the dental appointment.

If it helps keep you in the chair and feel comfortable, more dental work can be done and the appointment will be more productive. A second form of sedation can even make it easier for the dentist to do their job since you'll be very relaxed.

What Are The Side Effects Of Oral Sedation?

While the drowsiness is one of the intended side effects of using oral sedation, know that it can also produce an amnesia effect. It is likely that you'll come out of your daze and not remember anything about the dentist appointment or have faint memories of what happened. This is normal and to be expected, and it can even be a positive side effect of using oral sedation.

Think you need oral sedation to make it through your next dentist appointment? Make sure to speak to your dentist about sedation dentistry prior to your appointment. They can help get you the medication well in advance of your dental appointment.

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