What Is Oral Sedation?

Dental anxiety is a common and challenging experience. If the idea of visiting the dentist makes you nervous or fearful, you might wonder whether there are any options for making your experience better. At Smile Every Day Dentistry, we do everything possible to put your mind at ease when you visit for your oral exam or teeth cleaning. For this reason, if you struggle with dental anxiety, you might benefit from oral sedation.

What Is Oral Sedation?

Oral sedation is the use of prescribed anti-anxiety medication to help you stay calm during your dentist appointment. Sometimes, dentists use oral sedation in addition to other numbing treatments for invasive procedures. These medications can also be used during regular dental checkups or cleaning.

What to Expect From Oral Sedation

If you and your dedicated dentist decide that oral sedation is an appropriate treatment, you’ll receive a prescription for a dose of the medication. Your dentist will give you specific instructions for when and how to take medicine, but you’ll probably take it about an hour before your appointment. Sometimes, people take one pill the night before their appointment as well. 

Some medications make you drowsy during the appointment, which can help you feel more relaxed. Others target your anxiety directly and make you feel calmer during the dental cleaning or procedure. You’ll stay awake while under the medication, but you’ll likely feel a reduced sense of awareness while at your dentist’s office. 

Benefits of Oral Sedation

Oral sedation is a safe and easy way to feel more comfortable and at ease during your dentist appointment. All you have to do is take the medication as directed, so it’s a good option for people who are afraid of needles and IV sedation. 

It also makes it easier for your dentist to do a complete cleaning and checkup. Because you’re so relaxed, your dentist can be thorough without worrying about you moving or jumping. You’re still awake and responsive under oral sedation, though, so they can ask you questions and give you instructions for your follow-up care. 

Is Oral Sedation Right for You?

Oral sedation can be a good option if you experience dental anxiety, especially if your anxiety gets in the way of you visiting your Tamarac dentist. Anti-anxiety medication makes dentist appointments much more accessible for people with dental phobias, which leads to better care and better patient outcomes. 

However, there are some drawbacks to keep in mind if you’re considering oral sedation. The most important consideration is that you can’t drive yourself to and from your appointment under oral sedation. You’ll have to arrange transportation to the appointment, which can be inconvenient for some people.

Oral sedation has plenty of benefits, but you and your dentist should consider your unique needs before deciding how to manage your dental anxiety. If you have any questions or concerns about oral sedation, you can reach out to your Tamarac dentist or Plantation dentist to learn more about your options. 

Feel Calm and Relaxed During Your Next Dentist Appointment

Dental anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of, and at Smile Every Day Dentistry & Orthodontics, we are committed to making every patient feel comfortable and cared for. Our experienced team, including Dr. Sara Daneshpajouh, is skilled in offering oral sedation as a safe and effective solution for patients who may feel uneasy about their dental visits. With her gentle approach and dedication to patient care, Dr. Sara ensures that every treatment is as stress-free and comfortable as possible.

Schedule an Appointment

Don’t let dental anxiety keep you from achieving the healthy smile you deserve. Oral sedation is just one of the many ways we make dental care accessible and comfortable for every patient. Whether it’s a routine cleaning or a more complex procedure, our compassionate team will work with you to create a personalized plan tailored to your needs. Schedule your appointment today and let us show you how oral sedation can make all the difference in our office.

December 23, 2021