Sedation

What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?

Oral conscious sedation is a form of sedation dentistry that doesn’t require any injections or face mask to receive. Instead, it comes in the form of a pill that is taken orally ahead of your appointment. Typically we recommend oral conscious sedation for those who have more moderate levels of anxiety, nervousness, or fear prior or during dental appointments.

While the type of sedative we prescribe may be different from other offices (i.e. Valium, Ativan, Halcion, or something else), you’ll need to take it either ahead of or immediately after arriving at our office.

How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?

After the sedative is taken, the effects should start to kick in pretty soon (roughly 15 minutes or so depending on the drug used). The side effects will linger after your appointment is complete, so you’ll need to have either a friend or family member drive you to and from the office.

You should start to feel very relaxed and calm after taking your medication – many patients don’t even remember their appointment once it has worn off completely. This can be a major benefit for those who feel anxious about the stimuli commonly found in dental offices. Keep in mind that you’ll still be awake to receive simple commands as well as tell us about your comfort levels during your appointment.

Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?

Oral conscious sedation is mainly recommended to help relieve anxiety or dental phobia, something that millions of people experience every time they go to the dentist. However, it’s far from the only group that can benefit from its use. For example, it can also help those who have:

• A tendency to cancel or reschedule dental appointments at the last minute (either because of fear of treatment or hearing bad news about their oral health)
• A sensitive gag reflex
• Difficulty keeping their mouth open for long periods of time or sitting in the dental chair
• Multiple treatments to complete in a single appointment
• Difficulty getting numb with local anesthesia
• Had poor dental experiences previously

Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide Sedation?

Nitrous oxide sedation is a popular choice among patients and dentists alike form many reasons. One of the most prevalent reasons is that it’s an excellent choice for practically anyone! From younger to older patients, from those with minor anxiety to extremely sensitive gag reflexes, nitrous oxide can help a wide range of patients feel comfortable in the dental chair. Typically, this light and gentle form of dental sedation is recommended for patients who:

• Need some help relaxing in the dental chair
• Are feeling nervous about a particular treatment
• Don’t respond well to traditional numbing medications
• Have very sensitive teeth or an overactive gag reflex
• Have jaw, neck, back, or shoulder pain while sitting in the dental chair
• Will be having several treatments completed at once
• Will be undergoing a more complex procedure

However, nitrous oxide sedation is not a good choice for everyone. Before we clear you for its use, we’ll meet with you to review your medical history and current health. If nitrous oxide isn’t an effective choice for you, we’ll help you discover your other options for making treatment more comfortable and relaxing, such as oral conscious sedation.

How Does Nitrous Oxide Sedation Work?

Nitrous oxide dental sedation is more commonly known as laughing gas. It’s administered via a small mask placed over your nose. Within just a few moments of inhaling the colorless, odorless gas, a light, warm, and airy sensation will wash over you.

You’ll remain conscious throughout your appointment, but you won’t register any of the sights, sounds, and sensations that would typically cause you distress. Our team will monitor your vital signs carefully and we will be able to adjust your level of sedation at any time if needed.

Not only will nitrous oxide help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during your appointment, but it frequently helps us complete procedures faster as well!

Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Another one of the most popular benefits of nitrous oxide sedation that patients love is how little aftercare is needed for it. In fact, there is practically no aftercare needed at all! Once we’ve completed your treatment, we’ll remove your mask. Within just a few moments of breathing in regular oxygen, you’ll return to your normal level of consciousness. You’ll even be able to drive yourself home afterwards! With nitrous oxide sedation, you’ll be able to go about the rest of your day at work, school, or home without any interruptions.

Who is a candidate for sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry can help many patients with several unique needs, such as:

• Dental-related fears or phobias
• Afraid of needles
• Concerned about pain
• Difficult staying in one position
• Strong gag reflex
• Difficulty keeping the jaw open
• Sensitive teeth or gums
• Difficulty getting numb from anesthesia
• Need a lengthy procedure
• Need multiple procedures

Your sedation dentist will learn more about your concerns and health history to ensure it’s the right option for you.

Is sedation dentistry safe?

Sedation dentistry is safe when administered by a trained professional and used on the ideal candidate. There are certain health conditions and medications that can increase the risk of adverse complications, which is why Dr. Rasmussen will review your medical history. If you’re a candidate for dental sedation, you’ll be monitored throughout the entire process to detect any concerns quickly. Generally, nitrous oxide is considered the safest for most patients.

Can I drive myself to and from my appointment?

It depends on the type of sedation. Nitrous oxide is an inhaled sedative that takes effect quickly but doesn’t have any lingering side effects. Within a few minutes of stopping the sedative, you’ll feel completely yourself. You can even drive yourself home from your appointment. However, if oral conscious sedation better suits your needs, you’ll need to arrange transportation. The prescribed medication can take a few hours to wear off, which means you may be a little groggy. It’s better to have a friend or loved one accompany you to the dentist and remain with you until the effects of the sedative fully dissipate.

Will I remember my appointment?

Every patient differs, but it’s not unusual for your memory to be a little fuzzy, even with nitrous oxide. Although you may be able to recall certain details about your procedure, your memory may be fragmented. This is more common with oral conscious sedation; however, you may completely forget about your treatment using the stronger sedative. If you are fearful of the dentist or worry about pain, the brief lapse of memory can make it easier to visit your dentist in the future.

Does dental sedation also stop pain?

Again, it depends on the sedation. Typically, nitrous oxide will help you relax, but you may still need a local numbing agent to prevent any pain. Oral conscious sedation will keep you calm while promoting a pain-free dental appointment, but it may need to be used along with other medications. Dr, Rasmussen will explain what you can expect during your consultation. With patient comfort a top priority, he will strive to keep you comfortable the entire time you’re in the dental chair.