For those in need of an extensive dental procedure and those with a serious fear of dental visits or needles, oral sedation can take the discomfort and anxiety out of having dental work done. The primary method of oral sedation involves taking a prescribed drug with tranquilizing properties prior to one’s dental visit. In some instances, dentists “top up” the effect of this sedative pill immediately before beginning a procedure by administering nitrous oxide. It should be noted that oral sedation does not affect the ability to sense pain, and therefore a local anesthetic remains necessary for most dental procedures, even if the patient has been sedated.
Generally, the best candidates for oral sedation are those in need of a very long or complex dental procedure, as well as those who have a phobia of dental visits or dental instruments such as needles. The aim of this type of sedation is to alter a patient’s state of consciousness using a prescribed drug so that he is relaxed from the moment he enters the dentist’s office until after his visit has ended. This allows the patient to have dental work done without the anxiety and fright that may accompany a phobia, or the discomfort that might arise during a long procedure.
The primary method of oral sedation involves the prescription of a sedative pill, such as the tranquilizer benzodiazepine. This pill is taken by the patient approximately one hour before his dental appointment, allowing it sufficient time to take effect before the appointment begins. The patient then arrives at his appointment in a calm, anxiety-free state which persists for the duration of his treatment and wears off shortly thereafter. It should be noted that as the patient’s level of consciousness is decreased during sedation, he must arrange for someone else to transport him to and from his appointment.
In some instances, such as when a patient’s dental phobia is extreme, a dentist may “top up” the effects of an oral sedative by administering a dose of nitrous oxide once an appointment has begun. This method of combining oral sedation with inhalation sedation further decreases the patient’s consciousness level. As nitrous oxide tends to wear off fairly quickly, however, the combination method requires little or no more recovery time than oral sedation alone.
It is important to note that oral sedation does not diminish the ability to detect pain. Therefore, a local anesthetic must be used during most dental procedures, even when the patient has been orally sedated. As oral sedatives can greatly reduce one’s anxiety level, however, those who normally have a fear of needles can usually receive local anesthetic without fear once their sedative has taken effect.
