Oral Conscious Sedation

Who needs sedation dentistry?

People of all ages can benefit from sedation dentistry, including children. Dentists often recommend this option for those with:

• Dental anxiety.
• A fear of visiting the dentist.
• An overly sensitive gag reflex.
• A fear of needles (aichmophobia).
• Extreme teeth sensitivity.
• Feelings of claustrophobia while in the dental chair.
• Decreased sensitivity to local anesthesia.
• Difficulty controlling movements.
• Special needs (including physical, cognitive or behavioral).

Oral conscious sedation

With oral conscious sedation, your dentist gives you sedative medication (usually in pill form) about an hour before your procedure begins. Most dentists use triazolam (Halcion®), which is in the diazepam (Valium®) family. But your dentist might use other medications, too, including zaleplon and lorazepam. 

Oral sedation makes you quite groggy, and you may even fall asleep. But you’ll still be able to communicate with your dentist if necessary, and you’ll awaken with a gentle nudge. Because oral sedation temporarily affects your memory and motor skills, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home after your procedure.