Stay Calm & Comfortable
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation uses a pill-based sedative to keep you feeling calm, safe, and comfortable. You’ll take the sedative an hour or two before your procedure. Once it takes effect, you’ll start to feel very relaxed, comfortable, and groggy. You may even fall asleep during your procedure.
It’s also very common to experience “anterograde amnesia,” which causes you to forget much of what happens during your dental procedure. Oral conscious sedation is a good option if you want to be sedated more deeply than nitrous oxide.
However, it can last up to 4-6 hours after your treatment, and you cannot drive yourself home or go back to work after your treatment. You’ll need to make the appropriate arrangements to prepare for this.
Why Choose Sedation Dentistry?
How Sedation Can Help
The most common reason that patients choose sedation dentistry is dental anxiety. If you’re anxious about any treatment at our office, from a cleaning to a filling, or tooth extraction, sedation dentistry can help. With sedation, you’ll feel more comfortable throughout the entire process.
Not only that, but you’re less likely to feel any discomfort during your procedure. This is very helpful if you have a low pain threshold.
Other reasons that patients choose sedation dentistry include fear of needles (such as numbing needles used in dental treatments), and a strong gag reflex which can make it hard for Dr. Duncan to work on the rear teeth.
Sedation can also be beneficial if you’re having multiple treatments at once and will be sitting in the dentist’s chair for 2-3 hours. You’ll be able to relax and feel more comfortable throughout the entire process.
Am I a Good Candidate
For Sedation Dentistry?
As long as you are healthy, do not have any medical conditions or allergies that may interfere with the use of sedatives, and have no history of drug abuse, you are most likely a good candidate for sedation dentistry. Dr. Duncan will discuss your medical history and other details with you before your appointment to ensure that sedation is a good option for you.