Comfort Dentistry

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation dentistry is a medical procedure involving the administration of oral sedative drugs, generally to facilitate a dental procedure and reduce patients' fear and anxiety. 

Depending on the total dose given, oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate. For minimal sedation, you take a pill, typically Halcion, which is a member of the same drug family as Valium. It's usually taken about an hour before the procedure. The pill will make you drowsy, although you'll still be awake. A larger dose may be given to produce moderate sedation. This is the type of anesthesia most commonly associated with sedation dentistry. Some people become groggy enough from moderate oral sedation to actually fall asleep during the procedure. They usually can be awakened with a gentle shake.

Conscious sedation can help ease your mind and get rid of anxiety so you can focus on your dental health, not the discomfort associated with it. If you're afraid, anxious, or apprehensive, let your dentist at University Place Dental know; he or she will choose the right form of dental sedation for you. Call us at 618-549-0208 for an appointment.