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Oral sedation dentistry reduces the patient’s anxiety related to dental procedures. It is a type of medical procedure that involves the administration of sedative drugs. Oral sedation helps people overcome their fear of the dentist. The patients can therefore ensure that their teeth are getting proper care.

Benefits of Oral Sedation

The following are the major benefits of oral sedation: 

• Easy to Administer

The dentist can keep the patient calm during the procedure by prescribing a sedative pill. It is taken about an hour before the procedure begins. The patient swallows the pill and would feel relaxed by the time they arrive at the dental office. 

• No Needles

Patients who have dental anxiety also fear needles. Unlike IV sedation which is administered by the use of needles, oral sedation doesn't involve them. The patient can take the sedative pill orally without having to worry about being pricked by the dentist. 

• Partial Amnesia

To produce moderate sedation, the dentist can give a larger dose. The strong dosage of Benzodiazepines can make the patient fall asleep during the procedure. The patient will have no recollection of what went on while they were sedated. 

• Safe 

Patients taking oral sedatives do not experience any dangerous side effects. The pills for sedation are regulated by the FDA. 

• Responsive

The patient would be awake and responsive with pill sedation. Although they may feel drowsy, they are awake throughout the procedure. The patient would still be able to communicate with the dentist and respond to their instructions. 

Types of Oral Sedatives 

Oral sedation leaves the patient in a semi-conscious state. Some of the most common oral sedatives are the following: 

• Valium

It is a widely recognized drug among oral sedatives. It has amnesic properties and is particularly useful for procedures where extensive dentistry is executed.

• Halcion

It is highly effective and is known for the treatment of insomnia. It can be used in conjunction with an antihistamine if deemed by the dentist. 

• Ativan

It is a powerful sedative with a medium-length half-life. It is specified for the treatment of anxiety and is useful for procedures that are longer than two hours.

The dentist at Dental Specialists of North Florida can help determine the best sedation dentistry method according to the patient's comfort. We are located at 10 Saint Johns Medical Park Drive, Suite C, Saint Augustine, FL 32086. Contact us at (904) 794-1000 or visit our website to book an appointment.