HomeBlogWhat is Oral Sedation?

We have remarked that many patients have some anxiety about dental procedures. Oral sedation is one way we can make your visit smooth. It’s an efficient and safe way to make you feel relaxed during your consultation. We are here to assist you with your complete understanding. 

What is Oral Sedation for Dentistry?

It’s as smooth as ingesting a tablet an hour or more before the surgery. This drug doesn’t put you to sleep, but it does help you rest by lessening your senses. Depending on your requirements, the degree of sedation could differ from light to severe. Your oral dentist will carefully decide the ideal amount for you because every person has a different size and weight.

What is the Strength of an Oral Sedative?

The kind of dental treatment you have will impact how strong the oral sedative becomes. A low amount of sedation gives you slight sedation, which makes you feel relaxed, calm, and slightly rested. However, you will remain awake and adequately focused to react, so don’t worry. 

If you have severe sedation, a bigger tablet may be used. As a consequence, you may feel a little sleepy and even fall asleep during the whole process. But be confident that your oral dentist might shake you softly to wake you up if necessary.

Expectations for Oral Sedation in Dentistry 

Before the Procedure  

You will take an oral sedative almost an hour before your dental treatment. Your dentist will check your blood pressure and breathing as the sedative starts to take impact to ensure that everything remains secure and usual.

During the Procedure  

The sedative helps reduce stress and anxiety, making you feel easy and relaxed. It’s normal to experience a little sensation or heaviness in your arms and legs, as individual reactions can vary based on body weight and size. If your procedure is more complicated, your oral dentist may also administer local anesthesia to numb the processed area.

Keeping the Process

Your oral surgeon will monitor your blood pressure, respiration, and heart rate one more once your process is over to ensure everything is in control. Having a friend or family member take you home is essential because the sedative may leave you feeling tired or a little “out of it.”Later, make schemes to rest and stay away from labor or energetic activity until the signs diminish.

At the same time, some people may have nausea, headaches, fatigue, or a general feeling of being sleepy, but these side effects generally go away swiftly.

Other Types of Sedation Methods

We provide many sedation options to help you feel comfy and relaxed during your dental treatment. These methods are secure and designed to put you at ease. Tell your dentist about any medications you are taking before you receive sedation.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” is given along with oxygen to help you feel calm and relaxed. You will stay awake and able to talk to your dental team during the process. It’s a super gentle option with almost no side effects, and the best part is that the effects wear off swiftly as the gas is flushed out with oxygen.

IV Moderate Sedation

IV sedation is released directly into your bloodstream through a small needle. It works fast, and many patients feel like they slept through their whole treatment. Later, you might feel a bit sleepy. Yet, this method is not ideal for anyone with a rich fear of needles, so review your firm with your dentist.

General Anesthesia and Deep Sedation

General anesthesia and deep sedation involve using medication to help you stay almost or completely unconscious during your process. These methods are used for more complicated treatments to ensure you feel no disturbance.

Advantages of Oral Sedation

  • Your dentist will prescribe a pill for you to take about an hour before your appointment. By the time you arrive, you will already feel quiet and relaxed, and there will be no complex steps involved.
  • If you’re someone who doesn’t love needles (and let’s face it, many of us don’t), oral sedation is the main option. Since the sedative comes in tablet form, you won’t have to worry about being dragged with a needle you would with IV sedation.
  • One of the benefits of oral sedation is that it often causes a bit of amnesia. With the strong medication, you’re unlikely to remember much or anything about the procedure, which can be a huge relief if you’re anxious about dental visits.
  • While you might feel drowsy during oral sedation, you’ll still be awake and able to respond to your dentist’s instructions. It’s a nice balance between being calm and still being in control.

Disadvantages of Oral Sedation

  • Unlike IV or nitrous oxide sedation, which works almost instantly, oral sedation needs a little more time. That’s why your dentist will ask you to take the pill about an hour before your appointment to give it time to start working.
  • Since oral sedation doesn’t kick in immediately, it’s also a trick to adjust the dosage during the procedure. Everyone’s body reacts to the medication differently, so the timing can vary from person to person.
  • Because oral sedation can leave you feeling groggy and a bit “out of it,” you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. It is a good idea to bring along a friend or family member.

Why Choose Smile Cover Pediatric Dentistry for Oral Sedation?

At Smile Cover Pediatric Dentistry, we provide unique, expert dental care customized to your requirements. Our dedicated specialists are committed to attaining the best results for each patient. Their skilled surgeons use developed tools and techniques to ensure successful dentistry. We promise to restore your smile with high-quality service and enduring results.

Final Thoughts! We conclude that when you experience anxiety due to your oral dental appointments or have a scare of needles, an oral sedative may be a privilege for you. At Smile Cover Pediatric Dentistry, we provide oral sedation dentistry for our patients to help them feel more relaxed and comfortable during their surgery. Whether your procedure requires sedation or if you’re just feeling a little nervous, talk to your dentist about oral sedation.