Sedation Dentistry Options
Taking care of your mouth with regular brushing and flossing, as well dental cleanings and exams, is essential for maintaining the health of your mouth. However, even those who are diligent in their oral care routines can still be faced with issues. Many of these issues, including cracked or broken teeth, tooth decay, tooth loss and more, require professional treatment to restore the health of your mouth and the beauty of your smile. While these treatments are necessary, some patients will avoid them. Often this is out of anxiety about the visit, or fear of pain. Forgoing treatment for issues with your teeth can lead to serious complications, such as infections or tooth loss. At Neil Starr, DDS, PC, we offer sedation, which can allow you to get the treatments you need to restore, and protect your oral health.
What is Sedation?If you experience fear or anxiety over the thought of going to the dentist for treatment, you may decide to skip out on getting essential treatments necessary to restore your oral health. By ignoring treatment, you risk oral health conditions worsening, leading to serious issues. Sedation allows you to relax in the dental chair, enabling you to get the care you need. Along with helping to manage fear and anxiety, sedation can be used in a variety of other situations as well:
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You have a low pain threshold.
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Your teeth are very sensitive.
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You have a bad gag reflex.
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You cannot sit still for long periods of time.
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You require a significant amount of dental work or your procedures will take a long time to complete. |
Oral Conscious SedationOral conscious sedation is a type of moderate sedation that is administered orally with a medication. It is stronger than nitrous oxide, causing you to feel drowsy when it takes effect. You are more out of it with oral conscious sedation. Many patients experience temporary amnesia, and they may not remember parts, or even all, of their procedure.
If you are recommended for oral conscious sedation, you will be provided with a prescription for your specific sedative. On the day of your procedure, you should take your medication one hour before your scheduled appointment. It typically takes about 30 minutes for the medication to begin working, though the exact time will vary from patient to patient. For this reason, it is important that you have a responsible driver bring you to your appointment. You will also need this person to drive you home after your procedure is complete. The effects of oral conscious sedation can linger for several hours.
Getting treatment for damaged, decayed, or infected teeth are essential for preventing serious complications and restoring the health of your mouth. If you are anxious or nervous about the treatments you need, sedation can help you relax and remain comfortable. For more information, and to find out which sedation options are right for you, call Neil Starr DDS PC at (202) 293-7177 today. |
