Oral Sedation in Houston Texas
Letting You Walk Into Our Office With Confidence
Going to the dentist is one of the most common phobias you hear people talk about. We meet patients who are so severely afraid of the dentist’s office that they’ve put off important dental care for long periods of time. If you feel panicked at the idea of visiting our office, we want you to know about a safe, effective solution. Oral sedation is a great way to relieve the fear and stress so you can walk into our office with confidence.
How does oral sedation work?
Whether or not you are a good candidate for oral sedation and what kind is best for you will depend on your medical history and current medications. We encourage you to call us and ask if oral sedation is an option for you. Based on your needs and circumstances, we will recommend a sedative or anti-anxiety medication that you will take at a specific time prior to your appointment. These medications are widely prescribed and are a safe and effective way to reduce stress. Instead of arriving for your appointment nervous, you will arrive relaxed and ready.
The dosage recommended for you will depend on your level of anxiety. In turn, your dosage will be determined by your level of awareness during your appointment. You may fall asleep, feel drowsy, or just remain calm and relaxed during your procedure.
We closely monitor your vital signs for the entire duration of your appointment to ensure your safety. Remember that if you choose oral sedation, you need to be accompanied by a responsible adult who will drive you to and from your appointment and remain with you until the effect of the medication has worn away.
Choosing Oral Sedation
Oral sedation might be a good option for you if you:
- Are unable to get comfortable in an exam chair because of neck or back issues.
- Have a sensitive gag reflex.
- Have severe anxiety related to dental instruments.
- Procrastinate getting important dental work done due to fear.
- Dislike feeling numb after receiving local anesthetic.
Are there any side effects or risks?
The potential side effects of anti-anxiety medications are well documented because they’ve been prescribed and studied for many years. Oral sedatives are typically safe for the average patient, and there are a few minor side effects you can expect to experience.
- Dry mouth.
- Retrograde amnesia (you will have little to no memory of your procedure).
- Postoperative soreness.
- A very small percentage of patients may temporarily have hiccups. Though annoying, these hiccups are not dangerous and will go away as the medication wears off.