Many people feel nervous about dental treatment, especially if they have had a difficult experience in the past. Oral sedation dentistry is one of the most effective ways to manage dental anxiety. But what does it involve? And does it completely put you to sleep? Find out more in this blog.
How Does Oral Sedation Dentistry Work?
Oral sedation is a helpful method that can help you feel relaxed before your dental visit without making you fall asleep. Your dentist will prescribe a pill that you’ll have to take about an hour before your appointment. Some of the common ones include diazepam, triazolam, and hydroxyzine.
As this medication works, it starts to relax your central nervous system. This calms any anxious or racing thoughts you may be having, making it easier for you to undergo your dental treatment.
Do You Need to Do Any Preparation?
You may not need to do special preparation. Still, there are some instructions you’ll have to follow before your visit:
- Don’t eat anything for at least 6 hours before your appointment.
- Don’t drink alcohol 24 hours beforehand because it may make you more sedated than necessary.
- You’ll be feeling drowsy, so it’s best to bring someone along with you.
- Take the sedative exactly as your dentist prescribed.
What Happens During the Procedure?
When the sedative medication works, you’ll first start to feel a bit sleepy or drowsy. That’s a sign that your body is going into a relaxing mode. You’ll feel much calmer, so the dentist can easily continue with the treatment.
Keep in mind that oral sedation is not like general anesthesia. Even though you will be slightly sleepy, you’ll still be conscious enough to listen to your dentist and answer their questions.
Your dentist and their team will keep monitoring your heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure to make sure you are safe.
How Long Does It Take to Recover After Oral Sedation?
Oral sedatives can stay in your system for a while, usually between 4 and 8 hours, so you can still feel a bit dizzy or sleepy after your session. Make sure you aren’t alone right now and that someone can securely transport you home.
It’s best to rest once you get back home. Avoid doing anything that needs your full focus, like driving or making some important decisions. Just take it easy and let your body get back to its normal state gradually.
Summing Up
Oral sedation dentistry is a safe approach to make your dental appointments less stressful, whether you’re just getting a checkup or having a more complicated procedure.
If you are afraid of going to the dentist and want to know if this option will work for you, visit our expert at Houston Biological Dentistry today. You can contact us at (713) 785-7767 to book an appointment.