What Can Make You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?

All dentists want their patients to remain as relaxed and comfortable as possible while they receive the care their smiles need. For this reason, many dental practices now offer oral conscious sedation as a way to help people stay calm while they’re in the dental chair. Could this form of sedation dentistry be a good option for you? Here’s a closer look at how oral conscious sedation works as well as what can potentially make you a good candidate for it.

How Exactly Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?

When you choose to have oral conscious sedation performed, your dentist will give you a special pill. You will be instructed to take this pill at a certain time prior to your dental treatment. Once the effects kick in, you’ll remain awake and capable of following your dentist’s instructions, but you’ll be in an advanced state of relaxation where you’re unbothered by the sights and sounds of the dental office. The effects of the sedative will linger after your appointment, so you’ll need to have someone else take you home.

What are the Traits of a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?

You might be a good candidate for oral conscious sedation if any of the following traits apply to you:

• You are Afraid of Visiting the Dentist: Oral conscious sedation can be an effective way to soothe high levels of dental fear and anxiety.
• You Have an Unusually Strong Gag Reflex: Do you often gag when your dentist is trying to work on your teeth? It’s possible to use oral conscious sedation to keep your gag reflex under control.
• You Have a Hard Time Getting Numb: If you’re unusually resistant to the local anesthetic used for certain dental procedures, oral conscious sedation can provide an alternative way to stay comfortable during your treatment.
• You Have Chronic Jaw Pain: Holding your mouth open for an extended period can be rather uncomfortable if you’re currently suffering from chronic jaw pain, but oral conscious sedation can often help with this issue.

Who is Not a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?

Not everyone should have oral conscious sedation performed. In general, it’s not recommended for anyone who:

• Is pregnant.
• Has certain respiratory or cardiovascular problems.
• Is taking certain kinds of medications that could have negative interactions with the sedative.

Oral conscious sedation may not be for everyone, but it can still help many people have a more positive experience at the dentist’s office. If you think you might benefit from oral conscious sedation, don’t hesitate to speak to your dentist to see what they recommend.

About the Author

Dr. Mark Hochman went to the Howard University School of Dentistry in Washington, D.C., and he completed a General Practice Residency at Philadelphia General Hospital. He is currently a member of the Patuxent Dental Society and various other professional organizations. At La Plata Dental, he offers various forms of sedation dentistry to soothe his patients’ dental anxieties. If you’re looking for a dentist who offers oral conscious sedation, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Hochman by visiting his website or calling (240) 349-2439.