Oral conscious sedation is one of the most effective tools in dentistry for helping anxious patients get the care they need comfortably. But it’s not just for patients terrified of the dentist—in fact, there’s a wide range of people who could use it! Continue reading to take a look at who tends to benefit most from oral sedation in Austin.
What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?
With oral conscious sedation, you take a prescribed pill (typically in the diazepam family), about an hour before your appointment. By the time you arrive, you’ll feel deeply relaxed and maybe even a little drowsy—though still able to respond to your dentist.
Because the effects are meant to last through your procedure, they can easily extend beyond your time in the chair. The medication impairs judgment and reaction times, so you’ll need a ride to and from your visit.
Who Is It Best For?
Patients with dental anxiety or phobias are the most common people who take oral sedation. If the thought of sitting in a dental chair makes your stomach drop, the medication can dampen that response and make treatment feel manageable.
That said, there are plenty of other patients who can use oral conscious sedation for an overall better dental experience, such as:
- Those with an overactive gag reflex.
- Patients who need a lot of work done.
- Older or younger patients who have trouble keeping still.
- Those with heightened sensitivity, either due to anesthetic tolerance or conditions like autism.
- Patients who have had bad dental experiences in the past don’t want to remember their appointments.
Oral sedation effectively slows your nervous system responses, dulling your senses—even your perception of time. This allows your dentist to work more efficiently while you’re blissfully aware of your surroundings.
When administered by a qualified, licensed provider, oral conscious sedation is one of the safest and most effective ways to make dental visits more pleasant. So, if you’re dreading your next trip to the office, it’s something worth exploring with your dentist.
About The Author
Dr. Yonatan Pevzner earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from SUNY Buffalo Dental School, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2019. He is licensed to perform all types of dental sedation and has completed over 500 hours of continuing education. At Highland West Dental Care in Austin, Dr. Pevzner brings genuine care and advanced training to every patient—nervous or not. New patients are always welcome, so call (512) 451-4412 to book your appointment at Highland West Dental Care.