ORAL
SEDATION DENTISTRY
Although
Oral Sedation dentistry has become much better known in recent years, it has actually
been an effective and safe method for alleviating anxiety in nervous patients
for quite a long time. In fact, we have been providing this same option to our
anxious patients for over 30 years.
Oral
Sedation, as it is called today, is simply taking a prescription medication before
a dental appointment to provide a relaxing, anxiety-free experience. The medications
used create such a comfortable experience that most patients do not remember the
visit; it is as if they slept through the treatment. In reality, oral sedation
dentistry maintains a level of consciousness in the patient for safety and cooperation.
It is one of several Dental Sedation alternatives available to patients who experience
a common apprehension called "dental phobia." Others are inhalation
sedation involving nitrous oxide, or "laughing gas" as it is commonly
called, and general anesthesia, which literally does allow patients to "sleep"
through their procedure.
You
should consult with a qualified sedation dentist to determine which technique
is right for you. It could be determined by your level of anxiety or the dental
procedure you need. That is why it is good to ask how many different sedation
procedures a dentist is licensed to perform. It is also important to ask about
the specific level of training and experience of the dentist and staff. We
offer our patients oral sedation as well as nitrous oxide and general anesthesia
from a staff anesthesiologist because we believe there should be no reason for
dental phobia to keep anyone from receiving the vital dental care they need. | 
