Oral Sedation

At Natomas Crossing Dental Care, we understand the negative effects that dental anxiety can have on oral health. Patients who experience extreme dental fear may go years without visiting the dentist — resulting in poor oral health, dingy teeth and serious dental issues that require extensive treatment down the road. The good news is that you don’t have to avoid dental treatment anymore. Oral sedation dentistry may be exactly what you need to help you through your next appointment.

Oral sedation, also called conscious sedation dentistry, can significantly reduce mild to moderate anxiety in adults and children. It is safe and easy to administer, and patients can breathe and speak on their own throughout the procedure. Our dentists have received extensive training in delivering oral conscious sedation dentistry for our patients — better guaranteeing that even the most fearful of patients can get the treatment they need to maintain proper oral health without unnecessary stress or pain.

The main benefits of oral sedation include:

  • It is effective in helping patients with mild to moderate levels of anxiety feel relaxed during treatment.
  • It is simple to administer with a pill and doesn’t involve needles.
  • It has an amnesic effect. Patients can respond to questions during the procedure but have little or no memory of the visit.
  • It can be used for adults and kids. Oral sedation pediatric dentistry and general dentistry is safe and effective for patients of all ages.

What Is Oral Sedation?

Oral sedation is a very common type of sedation dentistry that does not require the use of needles. It is easily administered to patients in pill form about one hour prior to arriving for their appointment. This helps ensure that the patient is fully relaxed when arriving to our office for treatment.

The type of medication used for oral sedation is typically a benzodiazepine — a sedative that targets the areas of the brain responsible for controlling fear and anxiety. Once the effects of oral sedation begin, patients should remain awake and sleepy throughout the procedure, but feel deeply relaxed and at ease. Although patients will remain in a deep state of relaxation, they will be able to respond to simple questions from the dentist during treatment.

With this level of sedation, patients will need a responsible friend or family member to provide transportation to and from our office following the procedure. Patients typically recover quickly from oral sedation — within a few hours after the procedure is complete. Because there is often an amnesiac effect with oral sedation, most patients recall little or nothing about their treatment afterward. Patients benefit from rejuvenated oral health and only positive memories (if any) of their appointment.

Why Do I Need Oral Sedation?

Oral sedation may be the right option for patients with mild to moderate dental anxiety who simply cannot relax in the dental chair; for longer procedures or complex dental situations; and for patients who need several procedures and would like to complete them in one visit.

  • A severe gag reflex
  • Physical limitations such as back problems that make it difficult to sit for long periods
  • Difficulty getting numb

What Is the Cost of Oral Sedation?

The cost of using oral sedation for dental work depends on several factors, including the type of sedation administered, your insurance policy, and the type and length of your dental procedure. Talk to your oral sedation dentist about affordable financing options to help you manage any out-of-pocket expenses.

With oral conscious sedation, you can finally receive the dental care you need without fear and pain. Anyone interested in learning more about our unique approach to oral sedation dentistry and oral conscious sedation pediatric dentistry should contact Natomas Crossing Dental Care today!

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