Refer A PatientOral Conscious Dental Sedation – Kansas
One Pill to Help
You Feel Relaxed
Oral conscious sedation is an easy and highly effective relaxation method that works well for adults. There aren’t any needles or nose masks involved, just a simple pill that you’ll take before you arrive at our dental office for your treatment. We typically suggest this sedation method for patients who have more moderate to severe dental anxiety to help them feel at-ease. Read below to learn more about oral conscious dental sedation at our Kansas dental office and whether you can benefit from it.
Why Choose Kansas Center for Sedation Dentistry for Oral Conscious Dental Sedation?
- Dentists Certified in Level 1 Sedation
- No Needles Involved
- Safe & Effective Sedation Dentistry
What is Oral Conscious Sedation Dentistry?
Oral conscious sedation is the use of benzodiazepines, like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan), to help patients relax whenever they visit the dentist’s office. Before the visit, you’ll be prescribed a pill to take. That way, when you arrive, you’ll already feel more comfortable than you normally would. Because the effects will linger, it’s important to have a trusted friend or family member ready to drop you off and pick you up from your appointment.
Benefits of Oral Conscious Sedation Dentistry
Oral conscious sedation is a common method that’s used to help adults who have dental phobias, overstimulation, or are undergoing more invasive treatments be able to feel calm during their visit. Here are some benefits that patients can enjoy:
- Relaxation throughout every stage of the appointment.
- Many patients don’t remember any details about their treatment.
- Unaware of discomfort or pain during the procedure.
- Safety screening before sedation is prescribed.
- Careful monitoring throughout the treatment.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Some patients may benefit more from receiving IV or nitrous oxide sedation instead of oral conscious sedation, depending on a few factors. You may be a good candidate for this method of sedation if you:
- Aren’t taking certain medications that could interfere with the oral conscious sedation.
- Have anxiety or fear surrounding the idea of visiting the dentist.
- Are undergoing multiple dental treatments in a single appointment.
- Have a sensitive gag reflex.
- Have a low pain tolerance.
- Are bothered by the sights, sounds, and smells in the dental office.
- Are an adult.
If you have any questions or would like to learn whether oral conscious sedation is right for you, contact our dental office today!
Oral Conscious Sedation FAQs
As your local sedation dentist, our team will be happy to answer any questions you have about the methods we use to help patients relax. In the meantime, though, you can learn some fascinating facts about oral conscious sedation by reading the following list of FAQs. Hopefully, what you discover will help you make a well-informed decision about whether you are interested in using oral conscious sedation during your next dental appointment.
How Much Does Oral Conscious Sedation Cost?
The cost of oral conscious sedation varies from patient to patient. It depends on numerous factors, such as the specific type of medication being used, the dosage prescribed, and more. Our team will be sure to give you a candid cost estimate during your consultation.
Insurance does not always cover oral conscious sedation. However, our team can still verify your coverage, seek pre-authorization for your treatment, and file claims on your behalf. Some patients use financing through CareCredit to help them break up the cost of their treatment into manageable monthly installments.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is safe for a range of types of patients. Before we approve you for this type of sedation, we will perform a thorough safety screening to ensure that it is a low-risk option for you. For example, we will ask about which medications you take, your medical history, and more.
Extremely rarely, someone has an unpredictable, adverse reaction to oral conscious sedation. While this is a possibility to be aware of, it should not cause you too much worry. We never recommend sedation unless we are sure that its potential benefits outweigh any potential risks.
What Are Some Common Side Effects of Oral Conscious Sedation?
A common side effect is short-term memory loss. Most patients do not remember their dental procedure once the sedation medication wears off. This is generally perceived as a good thing, particularly among patients who suffer from dental anxiety.
Other possible side effects include dizziness, grogginess, and headaches. These are usually mild and wear off as the medication gets metabolized in the body. If you experience any severe or life-threatening side effects, you should seek medical care right away.
What Medications Are Typically Used for Oral Conscious Sedation?
There are a few different medications that can be used for oral conscious sedation. Triazolam is a very common one, as are diazepam and zaleplon. They all have similar effects in that they decrease fear and anxiety while inducing a relaxed, somewhat drowsy feeling. During your consultation, your dentist will determine which specific medication should be used to sedate you.
How Long Do the Effects of Oral Conscious Sedation Last?
Most people find that the effects of the sedation medication disappear within 2 – 8 hours after their appointment. However, it can be up to 24 hours before it is safe for you to drive or operate heavy machinery. Most patients find it beneficial to take it easy for a full day or longer before they resume their normal activities.
About Us Meet the Dentists Who We Help What We Do Sedation Dentistry