Sedation Dentistry – Arnold, MO
Ensuring Your Comfort During Treatment
People of all ages experience anxiety or fear when it comes to visiting the dentist. At JL Dental, we’re committed to delivering a calming and top-notch dental experience. That's why we provide multiple options for sedation dentistry in Arnold, MO. Dental anxieties often prevent people from getting the necessary care, and we aim to change that by prioritizing your comfort during every visit to our office.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Patients dealing with moderate to severe dental anxiety can opt for oral conscious sedation. This involves taking a single pill about an hour before the appointment. By the time you reach our office, you'll already be in a relaxed state as we guide you to your treatment room. Due to the lingering effects of the sedation, it's necessary to arrange for a trusted family member or friend to drop you off and pick you up from our dental office.
What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation involves the use of a small pill that you take shortly before your procedure is set to begin. Its job is to induce a deeply relaxed state; you may begin to feel calm, relaxed, and even drowsy within about 15 minutes of swallowing it. Valium, Ativan, and Halcion are the medications that are most often used for oral conscious sedation.
Many patients love oral conscious sedation because of its simplicity and comfort. It does not involve the use of needles or an uncomfortable nasal mask.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Oral conscious sedation is somewhat powerful, and its effects can linger for several hours after your appointment. It will not be safe for you to drive while under its influence, so be sure to have a trusted adult ready to give you a ride.
During your appointment, you might drift off to sleep, but you will not be unconscious. If necessary, your dental team will be able to awaken you with gentle stimuli. You will be closely monitored throughout your procedure to ensure your safety.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
You might be a suitable candidate for oral conscious sedation if:
- You struggle with moderate to severe dental anxiety.
- You have a sensitive gag reflex.
- You are not easily numbed by local anesthesia.
- You have a medical condition that makes it difficult for you to sit still in the treatment chair.
- You have gone through traumatic dental care experiences in the past.
Our team will thoroughly screen you to make sure that you do not have any contraindications for oral conscious sedation.
Am I a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is an excellent option for those with dental anxiety, ensuring a relaxed experience. If you face challenges due to a sensitive gag reflex or have physical disabilities making dental visits uncomfortable, sedation allows for a more comfortable and stress-free treatment. Whether you're nervous about routine checkups or need extensive dental procedures, sedation dentistry provides a pathway to a more comfortable and manageable dental experience tailored to your unique needs.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Sedation dentistry is considered a safe option for most patients as long as it’s administered by a qualified professional, such as one of our JL Dental providers in Arnold. We offer oral conscious sedation, which is prescribed as a pill you’ll be directed to take before arriving for your procedure.
With that said, our team will need to examine your condition and update your medical history before approving this service to ensure that we don’t take any action that might negatively impact your overall health. We’ll take the time to note any diagnoses, recent procedures, prescription medications, or supplements that you take regularly to avoid potential adverse reactions.
What Does Dental Sedation Feel Like?
The effects can vary somewhat from person to person, but typically, oral conscious sedation provides a deeper sense of relaxation than other potential options, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas). The drug reduces your brain’s fear and anxiety responses to help you feel calm but drowsy.
You might also feel heavy or lethargic, or even doze off during your procedure, though the medication isn’t intended to render you unconscious. Some patients also report that time seems to pass more quickly while under sedation. The sedative can linger in your system for several hours after your procedure, and its impact tends to wear off gradually.
Will I Remember Anything After Being Sedated?
As the name suggests, oral conscious sedation is designed to help you feel calm and comfortable while remaining aware throughout your appointment. Many patients stay alert enough to respond to our team’s questions or instructions, but others feel relaxed enough that they fall asleep during their treatment.
This medication can also cause a mild to moderate amnesia effect that many anxious patients consider to be another perk of sedation. You may have little to no memory of the procedure afterwards, despite being ‘awake’ for it.
What Are the Potential Risks of Sedation Dentistry?
Although oral conscious sedation is considered safe for most people, there’s a chance you might experience side effects from the medication. For instance, you may develop dry mouth or headaches, which are somewhat common but temporary complications. You might also feel dizzy or light-headed, which can sometimes induce nausea or vomiting.
Some patients can suffer allergic reactions to the drug, which can cause difficulty breathing or more serious concerns. You should also inform us if you suffer from sleep apnea or take certain prescription medications that can lead to adverse effects. Our team will monitor your condition throughout your procedure to prevent any potential negative reactions.