Oral Sedation Near You
Visiting the dentist is a nerve-wracking experience for a lot of people. Add the possibility of a potentially uncomfortable procedure, and it only makes the whole experience feel worse. At Valley Ridge Dental, we completely understand this, which is why we make sure you feel at ease, even during potentially daunting procedures.
At our dental clinic, we offer oral sedation near you, which is a great solution for anyone afraid of a dental visit. Not to be confused with anesthetic, oral sedation is a much simpler way of easing nerves without making you unconscious. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding oral sedation, along with our answers.
If you would like to learn more about receiving oral sedation near you, please do not hesitate to ask us.
Interested in Oral Sedation?
Let’s start with the basics. Oral sedation is the process of administering sedative medication orally, meaning via the mouth. In more simple terms, the patient swallows a pill that reduces symptoms of anxiety during your appointment. Sometimes also known as conscious sedation, oral sedation is far less intensive than undergoing anesthetic, as you are kept awake throughout the process. Oral sedation falls into the category of ‘minimal sedation’. You are fully awake but in a subdued state. Because a dental procedure can be anxiety-inducing for so many, this is a popular method to ensure that every procedure is a success. Inhalation sedation is a similar process to oral sedation in how it’s administered. It is also popularly used to calm patients during an appointment. Both of these options can achieve minimal to moderate sedation, depending entirely on the patient’s needs. If you have any concerns about which sedation option is the most appropriate for you, our qualified dentists will be happy to advise you! We offer oral sedation in NW Calgary, AB T3B 5V4.
What sort of medication is most commonly used?
If you have any concerns about the medication that may be used during oral sedation, we’ve provided a full breakdown below of the most common medications used in dentistry to achieve oral sedation. To prevent any interactions with medication you may already be using, always communicate any hesitations you may have before an appointment and our dentists can adjust to your needs accordingly.
When you visit our dental office for oral sedation in NW Calgary, AB T3B 5V4, some of the medications used most often include:
Valium (Diazepam) – Easily one of the most recognizable on the list, Valium has been around since the 1960s, and in dentistry is most often used in procedures that take up more time due to its longer half-life (how long it takes for the medication to reduce its concentration in the body by half).
Halcion (Triazolam) – Though more often used as a form of insomnia treatment, Halcion is also frequently used as an oral sedative in dental practices.
Ativan (Lorazepam) – A form of anti-anxiety medication with a medium length half-life, Ativan is often used in dentistry appointments that extend over two hours.
Vistaril (Hydroxyzine) – Though officially classified as an antihistamine, Vistaril is also used as an oral sedative and is popular due to its lack of amnesiac properties.
Versed (Midazolam) – With one of the shortest half-lives of the medications mentioned, Versed is particularly useful for shorter appointments that may last just an hour.
If you have any questions about receiving oral sedation in NW Calgary, please contact us.
How Does It Work?
Looking to receive oral sedation near you? Oral sedatives suppress the central nervous system to place you in a calmer and more comfortable state. Oral sedatives are usually administered shortly before the procedure is due to take place. However, sometimes they can be taken as early as the day preceding your appointment to preemptively alleviate any anxiety. The way oral sedatives work varies based on which specific drug you are going to take before your procedure. Our qualified dentists will always provide you with a full explanation of what is being administered to you before the appointment begins.
Does it Have Any Side Effects?
If you’re interested in receiving oral sedation in NW Calgary, the practice is completely safe! Before proceeding, you should be aware that you may experience certain side effects. These can include:
- Nausea
- Drowsiness (so it’s important you are driven to and from the dental practice by someone else)
- Dizziness
- Headaches
These potential side effects have to be pointed out, but it is also important to note that most patients report no experience of them and find the process of oral sedation to be a smooth one.
Are you interested in receiving oral sedation in NW Calgary, AB T3B 5V4? We are more than happy to discuss whether this method of sedation is best for your anxiety. Contact us today to learn more if you are looking for oral sedation near you. Our office is proud to offer oral sedation in NW Calgary, AB T3B 5V4, and sedation dentistry.