We understand that some patients are very nervous about having dental treatment completed. In some cases, their anxiety is to a point that inhalation sedation (laughing gas) is not enough to ease their fears. The next level is enteral sedation, also known as oral conscious sedation. The patient will be given a prescription medication ~1 hour before their appointment. The patient will enter a state of heightened relaxation, but they will still be awake and have the ability to talk and breathe on their own. Oral conscious sedation can make long appointments feel shorter and in some cases patients don't remember much or any of the appointment. It is important to remember that if a patient does undergo oral conscious sedation, they MUST have a designated driver to and from their appointment. The patient might feel groggy after the appointment, but they will begin to feel normal with in a few hours.
If you're feeling nervous about your next appointment, call our office to see if oral conscious sedation would be a good option for you!