Our Continuing Quest for Knowledge

Conscious sedation

Are you or do you know someone who is in desperate need of dental care but is too afraid to go to the dentist?  There is a large segment of the population that fits into this category.  Unfortunately, these patients only come in when they can no longer tolerate the discomfort.  One possible solution for the high anxiety patients is oral conscious sedation. 

 How does it work?  The patient is given a pill to take one hour prior the dental appointment.  No IV needles are needed.  A companion will be needed to take the patient to and from the dental office.  The patient is made comfortable with the use of a neck pillow, blanket and head phones.  Vital signs are monitored.  The patient tends to snooze during most of the treatment but is able to respond to any given commands or questions.  One advantageous side effect of the drug is a special type of amnesia in which a person may not recall events after taking the drug.  This is not a problem since the dental phobic patient usually prefers not to remember the dental treatment. It safely reduces anxiety.  Dental treatment often requiring multiple visits can be performed in one visit. 

Patients seeking treatment after lengthy neglect need not feel embarrassment about their condition.  Our office has seen many patients who have let their mouths go because their dental anxiety was so great. We promise to be non-judgemental.  Our goal is to get anxious patients to a point where their mouths are healthy and functional and to help them keep it that way.