Stress-Free Dentistry With Oral Conscious Sedation

By Andrew M. Sklar, DDS

Are you among the 150 million Americans who white-knuckle their way through your dental visit? Or perhaps you are one of the ninety million people in the US who avoid the dentist altogether because of fear? Instead, you could be one of the one million people who have conquered their fears with a safe and effective form of dentistry called Oral Conscious Sedation Dentistry.

Oral Conscious Sedation (OCS) is sometimes referred to as “comfortable” or “anxiety-free” dentistry because of the feelings patients experience when being treated with OCS. Oral conscious sedation is a safe and surprisingly simple solution a dream come true – for people with dental anxiety. With OCS, patients are able to relax in total comfort before, during and after their treatment with just a pill.

First, the patient is provided a pill the evening before to help them relax and get a good night’s sleep. Then, an hour before their appointment they take another pill, a quick- acting sedative with virtually no side effects. Since they will be drowsy, the patient must be driven to and from their appointment. Once treatment has begun, the patient is continually monitored to ensure their comfort and safety. Sometimes additional sedation (another pill or use of nitrous oxide) may be needed. Often patients are so relaxed that they fall asleep during their treatment. And, as an extra bonus, because of the medication’s amnesiac properties, patients don’t remember anything about their appointment afterwards. So dental phobia becomes a thing of the past!

Who is a good candidate? OCS is a great choice if you

Hate the tastes, noises, smells and pain you associate with the dentist

Are too scared or embarrassed to even call to make an appointment

Are phobic about needles

Have a low pain threshold

Have a sensitive gag reflex

Have had a previous painful or traumatic experience at the dentist

Are dealing with general anxiety, mood or post-traumatic stress disorders

Are feeling out of control or

helpless

Have a lot of dental work to be done and want to avoid multiple visits to the dentist

So if this sounds like you, if your fears and anxiety have prevented you from getting the dental treatment you need, find a dentist who offers oral conscious sedation and make an appointment today.