Oral sedation uses orally administered medication to induce a relaxed and comfortable state during a dental health procedure. Beyond the administration method, the key difference between oral sedation and other options is that oral sedation has a longer delay before it takes effect. Depending on the medication your dentist prescribes, you may have to take sedative thirty minutes, an hour, or even the day before the procedure.
Sedation dentistry is an excellent solution for anyone struggling with dental anxiety. However, some sedation options require an injection or using a mask to supply the medication. Patients that struggle with other methods of sedation might choose oral sedatives to avoid the additional stress. If your fear of dental procedures has interfered with treatments in the past, you might be a good candidate for oral sedation.
Sedation mainly addresses anxiety and discomfort by helping patients relax. Most sedatives do not have pain-relieving properties; hence a local anesthetic might still be administered to manage pain during the procedure.
The time it takes for oral sedation to take effect can vary. Depending on the specific medication prescribed by your dentist, you may need to take the sedative 30 minutes to an hour before your procedure, or in some cases, even the day before.
It is recommended that you arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment, as the effects of the oral sedative can impair your ability to drive safely.
Common side effects may include drowsiness, dry mouth, light-headedness, and sometimes temporary memory loss regarding the dental procedure.
Visiting the dentist does not have to be stressful at City Dental of Boca. Get in touch with our office today and find out more about our sedation options!
Dr. Pirzada's dental career started at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, with an accelerated dual undergraduate and dental program. He then pursued further training with an oral surgery internship at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, focusing on complex odontogenic infections and dental surgeries. His post-graduate education continued with an oral surgery fellowship at Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn, New York.
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