25 Jul Is oral sedation an option for my upcoming dental surgery?
Oral sedation can help to make patients more comfortable during oral surgery, and it’s particularly appealing to patients who are squeamish about needles and don’t want to get sedation intravenously. It’s understandable that many people would rather take a sedative in pill form rather than be stuck with a needle. Patients who are interested in this option should discuss it with the oral surgeon during treatment planning.
Your oral surgeon can recommend the type of sedation that is most appropriate for the specific procedure that you will be undergoing. Oral sedation can be effective for procedures that are relatively brief and straightforward. In cases of more extensive or time-consuming procedures, other sedation options may be preferred and your surgeon may encourage you to choose those instead.
If you opt for oral sedation, be sure that you understand the instructions for the process and are adequately prepared for it. The surgeon will give you a prescription for the sedative medication in advance of your scheduled surgery appointment because you will need to take it before you come in for the procedure. The medication takes a certain amount of time to take effect. You also need to make arrangements to have someone bring you to and from the appointment, as you will not be able to drive safely while under the influence of the medication.
The surgeon will also educate you about alternative sedation delivery methods as well as the risks of oral sedation with you, although these are uncommon and typically minimal. However, if you have a history of a negative reaction to anti-anxiety medications, oral sedation may not be a good choice for you.
The right combination of sedation and local anesthetic will make your oral surgery experience as comfortable as possible. Ask about our sedation options at the evaluation in advance of your procedure. We can answer any questions you may have about the methods that are available at our practice.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with our team!