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| Oral Sedation: Taking Fear Out of Dentistry |
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Among the most common phobias, visiting the dentist causes many people severe anxiety and stress. Often, fearful patients forego necessary dental care to avoid a visit to their dentist. If you find yourself feeling panicky at the thought of having your teeth worked on, you should know that a safe, comfortable relaxation method exists. Oral sedation alleviates anxiety, so you can face dental appointments with confidence. |
| What exactly does oral sedation entail? |
| If you fear dental appointments, call a dentist to determine if oral sedation is available for you based on your medical history and current medications. If you’re a good candidate for oral sedation, the dentist will select an appropriate anti-anxiety or sedative drug for you to take at a pre-determined time before your appointment. These safe, widely-prescribed drugs diminish anxiety and help patients relax. |
Your anxiety level will help the dentist determine dosage, which in turn determines your consciousness level during the appointment. Some patients become so relaxed they drift off into a restful sleep during their dental procedures. Throughout your appointment, we will closely monitor your vital signs to ensure your safety. When you choose oral sedation, you must have a responsible adult who can drive you to and from your appointment and spend some time with you after the appointment until the sedative wears off completely. |
| Why choose oral sedation? |
| In general, patients choose oral sedation if they: |
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experience severe anxiety and fear when faced with dental instruments |
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put off important dental treatment because of fear |
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have a sensitive gag reflex |
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have trouble feeling numb after receiving local anesthetic |
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cannot rest comfortably in a dentist’s exam chair due to neck or back problems |
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