Although most people understand the importance of regular check-ups and dental care, the sad truth is that some patients are so stricken by anxiety or dental phobia that they avoid the dentist – even if it costs them their health. Some had traumatic experiences as children; others simply don’t like needles.
If this sounds like you, you’ll be happy to hear that we offer a solution called oral conscious sedation dentistry, which safely helps you feel relaxed and calm before and during your appointment. Let’s briefly look at how we use oral conscious sedation at our Red Bank office.
What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Sedation dentistry is the practice of administering a mild sedative to help nervous patients feel calmer. You may have heard of dental offices that use a sedative called nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. At our office, however, we offer oral conscious sedation, which involves use of a prescription pill that helps relieve anxiety and bring on a state of relaxation. Patients simply take the pill an hour before their appointment, or the night before in cases of severe anxiety. The mild sedative pill allows patients to have a completely comfortable dental experience.
What Does Oral Conscious Sedation Feel Like?
The pills used in oral conscious sedation are known as benzodiazepines, a well-known type of medication that relieves anxiety and helps patients achieve a deeply relaxed state. After taking the pill, you will have less awareness of your surroundings, but you will still be able to breathe normally, retain your natural reflexes, and respond to questions and instructions from us during your treatment. After your appointment, you will have little memory of the procedure itself. You will feel as though the entire experience lasted just minutes.
Because the drug will take effect before your appointment and last a little longer afterward, a family member or friend will need to drive you to our office for your procedure and then drive you home.
What Are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?
Oral conscious sedation appeals to patients mainly because it allows them to feel at ease and worry-free before and during dental treatments. Also, sedation dentistry:
- • Is easy to administer with a prescription pill
- • Allows more dental work to be completed in one office visit, which will feel as though it takes mere minutes
- • Reduces sensitivity and discomfort in patients who cannot achieve complete numbness from local anesthetic
- • Reduces gagging impulses in patients with sensitive gag reflexes
Whether you require restorative treatments like a root canal, or are interested in cosmetic dentistry like porcelain veneers to enhance your smile, sedation dentistry can relieve your anxiety so you can achieve the healthy, radiant smile you deserve.
Learn More about Sedation Dentistry
Fear should never stand in the way of receiving the quality dental care you need. If you’re interested in learning more about sedation dentistry, we encourage you to schedule an appointment to see Dr. Bucher. Our entire team looks forward to understanding your specific concerns and helping restore health and beauty to your smile!
