Oral Conscious Sedation
Our dental providers have taken extensive coursework in oral conscious sedation and received his certification from DOCS Education, a world-renowned sedation curriculum.
Oral conscious sedation is a type of sedation dentistry in which a patient is given a pill to take before a dental procedure. The goal of oral conscious sedation is to help the patient relax and feel more comfortable during the procedure. The patient remains awake and able to respond to commands during the procedure, but may feel drowsy and have little memory of the procedure.
Oral conscious sedation is considered a moderate form of sedation, as it is less intense than IV sedation or general anesthesia, but it still allows the patient to be sedated enough to not feel pain or anxiety during the dental treatment. It's often used for patients who have moderate to severe dental anxiety, or for those undergoing longer or more complex procedures.
It's important to note that the patient will need to have someone to drive them to and from the appointment as the effect of the medication may linger for several hours after the procedure. The patient should also avoid eating or drinking anything for a certain period of time before the appointment as instructed by the dentist.
It's important to consult with the dentist and inform them of any medical conditions or medications being taken before the procedure, as oral conscious sedation may not be appropriate for some individuals.
Is Oral Sedation Safe?
Yes. Oral sedation medications in the dental setting - typically triazolam and/or diazepam - have been in use for decades. When administered by a trained and licensed provider, it is very safe and effective. One of the key aspects of safety is accurate records, including health history, medications, body weight, and other ASA Physical Status Classification System details.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Yes. Oral sedation does have some side effects you need to be aware of, and that you’ll need to plan around. For example, your reflexes and decision-making abilities may be impaired for up to 4-6 hours after your treatment, which means you cannot drive yourself home. You will need to bring someone with you to your appointment to take care of you upon discharge and drive you home.
Beyond this, you may also experience side effects like confusion, dizziness, nausea, blurry vision, fatigue and drowsiness, and excessive sweating. While these side effects are not dangerous, they can be uncomfortable. However, they will fade quite a bit after an hour or two.
What Can I Expect To Feel During Oral Sedation?
Once you take your sedation pill, it will usually take between 1-2 hours for you to digest it and for the drugs to take effect. That’s why you’re usually asked to take the pill in advance of your appointment. You also may be asked to fast (avoid eating) for up to 8 hours before your appointment.
When the sedative drugs begin to take effect, you will start to feel very relaxed and calm, and quite disconnected from the events happening around you. Your coordination and reflexes will be significantly reduced.
Most patients also feel tired after the drugs take hold, and they may even fall asleep during treatment. However, this is different from being unconscious, you are still responsive to commands.
Another common effect of oral sedation is anterograde amnesia. This is a fancy term that means “you’ll probably forget most of what happened during your appointment.” This is a very good thing for patients who have dental anxiety, and who may not wish to remember the specifics of the procedure.