Oral Sedation

Do you experience high levels of anxiety when visiting the dentist? You may be a candidate for Sedation Dentistry. Patients with high keels of dental anxiety may benefit from (oral conscious) sedation, commonly referred to as “Sleep Dentistry.”

Sedation Dentistry

Advantages to patients include:

  • Treatment is completed when you are in a more relaxed mood.
  • You will have less difficulty sitting through a lengthy procedure.
  • Less discomfort after treatment.

Benzodiazepines (sedation drugs) are also Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants (i.e. there can be a decline in blood pressure and breathing). It is important to note that they shouldn’t be mixed with other CNS depressants such as alcohol. Its important that you utilize the dose your dentist or doctor recommends. It is possible to overdose, and overdoses could lower your breathing to dangerously low levels, which could result in coma or death.

Please note that you shouldn’t travel on your own after you’ve taken any of these drugs. Make sure you have an escort, even if you traveled by bus or foot! It’s easy to become disorientated.

You may not be a candidate for Sedation Dentistry if:

Some of these drugs can affect your liver and heart. It’s important to check with your practitioner and/or pharmacist. 

You should be sure to inform your doctor or dentist if any of the following apply:

  • known allergy to the drug
  • narrow-angle glaucoma
  • pregnancy
  • severe respiratory disease (COPD)
  • congestive heart failure (CHF)
  • impaired kidney or liver function
  • depression/bipolar disorder/psychoses
  • chronic bronchitis
  • and some other conditions

It’s also important to let us know if you are taking other medications. There could be possible drug interactions.