Basic Information About Oral Sedation In Milford, CT

Many people are convinced that dental procedures are painful, and this is a major cause of dental anxiety. However, that’s not the case. Dental procedures may have been painful some years back, but not anymore, thanks to sedation. In this blog, we will discuss oral sedation in detail to help you make an informed decision. We are here for you if you are looking for sedation dentistry near you in Milford, CT.

What is Sedation?

It is the use of anesthetic drugs to prevent pain to provide a calm and comfortable dental experience. There are several types of sedation, and the dentist will choose the type that suits your situation the most. Among the top options are IV sedation, anti-anxiety medications, oral sedation, tranquilizers, and laughing gas.

Some sedation options render patients unconscious, although most don’t. The patient is usually conscious and can witness how the dentist is performing the procedure. However, they cannot feel any pain. Nonetheless, if you prefer to be unconscious during the procedure, it can be arranged.

How Does Oral Sedation Work?

Typically, oral sedation drugs take some time before they can take effect on the body. Therefore, the dentist administers the medications at least one hour before the procedure. The medicine can make you dizzy, and some people even fall asleep. However, it will not knock you down. You will still be conscious during the procedure. If you feel slight pain, you can always speak out so that the dentist can adjust the sedation.

After the procedure, the effects of sedation can last for up to six hours, depending on the administered dosage. When the sedation is still in effect, your mouth will be insensitive to pain. For that reason, try to avoid foods that require a lot of chewing for at least six hours. This is because you might end up biting your tongue, and you won’t feel pain due to sedation.

That said, the sedation remains in a patient’s body for up to 48 hours even after your mouth regains its sensitivity. Sedation in your blood can affect your decision-making. For that reason, don’t drive or make crucial decisions 48 hours after receiving sedation. Have someone drive you home after the procedure to prevent causing accidents.

Is Oral Sedation Safe?

Yes, it is safe and FDA-approved. It is also not associated with any side effects. Furthermore, sedation is even safe for kids. You can take your child to the dentist without worrying that she will endure pain. We are here for you if you are looking for a children’s dentist near you in Milford, CT.

That said, it is essential to give the dentist your medical history. That way, he will know how your body reacts to different medications and help you choose the most appropriate sedation for your case. Any dentist can administer oral sedation. However, make sure your dentist is approved to administer deep sedation if that’s what to be used in your case.

Who Can Use Oral Sedation?

Both adult and pediatric sedation dentistry are not associated with any significant risk. For that reason, oral sedation is administered to people of all ages. As long as the procedure can cause pain, oral sedation is used. However, some procedures such as bonding and teeth whitening are pain-free, and there is no need for sedation. Our pediatric dentist in Milford, CT, is here for you if you are looking for a dentist open on Saturday.

What are the Benefits of Oral Sedation?

Oral sedation has helped dentistry in a significant way because of the many benefits that come with it. These benefits include:

• It is easier to administer since it does not use needles. You just need to take a pill or two an hour before the procedure, and you are good to go.
• Oral sedation is safe and FDA-approved.
• It helps prevent pain, which helps reduce dental anxiety in most patients.

Downsides

Oral sedation is not associated with any severe side effects. However, it does have some mild side effects that can last for a few days. These side effects include:

• Sedation affects concentration for up to 36 hours.
• Oral sedation takes time to take effect. Therefore, you must spend at least one hour in the dental office.
• Some people experience headaches after taking oral sedation.

Big Smiles Pediatric Dentistry

Talk to us if you are looking for a pediatric dentist Milford, CT, and let us help you. We provide all pediatric services, including dental sealant treatment, fluoride treatment, and more. Book an appointment now.