Dental anxiety can build in the hours or days before an appointment. You may feel nervous about a new procedure, uncomfortable in a dental setting, or concerned that anxiety will make it difficult to complete your care.
Conscious oral sedation in Manhattan may help you feel calmer before you arrive at our office. This form of sedation uses prescribed oral medication to reduce anxiety while allowing you to remain awake and responsive during treatment.
Conscious oral sedation is a form of sedation dentistry that uses medication taken by mouth, usually as a pill. The medication is prescribed by one of our dentists and taken according to the instructions provided before your appointment.
By the time you arrive at Integrated Aesthetic Dentistry, you should begin to feel more relaxed and less focused on the sights, sounds, and sensations associated with dental treatment.
Although you remain conscious, you may feel sleepy or deeply relaxed. Some patients remember only part of their appointment after the medication has worn off.
During your consultation, our dentist will review your health history, medications, dental needs, and level of anxiety. This information helps us determine whether conscious oral sedation is an appropriate option for your care.
If oral sedation is recommended, we will provide a prescription and detailed instructions explaining when and how to take the medication. Follow these directions carefully and do not take more medication than prescribed.
Because the effects begin before you arrive, you will need a responsible adult to bring you to our office. You should not drive after taking the medication.
Our dentists may recommend conscious oral sedation in Manhattan if anxiety makes dental visits difficult or prevents you from receiving needed treatment. It may also be considered for patients who feel increasingly nervous as an appointment approaches.
Oral sedation may be helpful if you:
Every patient’s needs are different. Tell us what makes dental care difficult for you so we can discuss the sedation and comfort options that may be suitable.
Oral sedation is simple because it does not require the medication to be administered through an IV. You take the prescribed medication by mouth before your appointment, following the timing and dosage instructions given by our dentist.
Potential benefits include:
The strength and duration of the effects can vary depending on the prescribed medication, your health, and how your body responds. We will explain what you can reasonably expect before your appointment.
Conscious oral sedation does not place you under general anesthesia. You remain awake and can usually respond to instructions, answer questions, or communicate with our team during treatment.
You may feel very drowsy, and your sense of time may be altered. Some patients feel as though the appointment passed quickly or remember few details afterward.
Local anesthetic may still be needed to numb the treatment area. Sedation is used to help manage anxiety, while local anesthetic helps reduce sensation during the dental procedure.
Our team will give you specific instructions about eating, drinking, and taking your regular medications before treatment. These instructions may vary depending on the medication prescribed and the dental care you will receive.
Arrange for a trusted adult to drive you to the appointment, remain available during your visit, and take you home afterward. Wear comfortable clothing and let us know if you become ill or begin taking a new medication before your scheduled treatment.
Do not drive yourself to the office after taking the sedative.
If nervousness makes it difficult to attend or complete dental appointments, speak with our team about conscious oral sedation in Manhattan. Contact Integrated Aesthetic Dentistry to schedule a consultation and learn whether oral sedation may be appropriate for your treatment.
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