Man doing oral sedation dental care in Canton, OH

Conscious Oral Sedation Dentistry in Canton, OH

Dental anxiety and fear are very common and can prevent patients from scheduling regular check-ups and treatments, causing minor dental conditions to worsen and progress to severe problems. At Minter Dentistry, we offer conscious oral sedation as a solution to this challenge by providing a way to relax during dental procedures.

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What is Conscious Oral Sedation?

Conscious oral sedation is a medical technique used in dentistry to help patients relax during procedures by administering sedative drugs orally. Unlike other forms of sedation, such as IV sedation or nitrous oxide, oral sedation allows patients to remain awake and responsive. Patients typically experience a calming effect and reduced anxiety and often have little memory of the procedure despite being conscious throughout.

When is Conscious Oral Sedation Recommended?

Conscious oral sedation is recommended for individuals who have had traumatic dental experiences in the past, suffer from a low pain threshold, have a strong gag reflex, or require extensive dental procedures. It is also suitable for patients who find it difficult to sit still for long periods, making it easier to manage their discomfort and movement during treatment.

Dental Procedures Where Oral Sedation Is Beneficial

Complex tooth extractions
Root canal therapy
Crown and Bridge Fabrication
Lengthy cosmetic procedures
Gum Therapy or scaling and root planing

What to Expect During the Oral Sedation Process

Before the Procedure

Consultation and Evaluation: Patients will undergo a thorough evaluation with Dr. Minter to discuss their medical history and any medications they are taking to ensure oral sedation is a safe option. This consultation also helps determine the appropriate sedative dosage.
Pre-Procedure Instructions: Patients receive detailed instructions on preparing for sedation, such as fasting for a certain period before the appointment and arranging for someone to drive them to and from the clinic.

During the Procedure

Administering the Sedative: The oral sedative is often taken the night before the appointment, an hour before the appointment or both. By the time treatment begins, the patient is in a relaxed yet conscious state, able to respond to verbal cues but generally unaware of the sensations of the dental work.
Continuous Monitoring: Throughout the procedure, the patient’s vital signs, including blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart rate, are closely monitored. Our team is trained in sedation care and prepared to adjust sedation levels or respond to any patient needs.

After the Procedure

Post-Procedure Monitoring: After completing the dental work, patients remain under observation until the dentist determines they are ready to go home. This ensures that the sedative’s effects wear off safely.
Recovery Guidance: Patients receive post-care instructions, which typically include rest and avoiding operating heavy machinery for at least 24 hours. It’s important for patients to have someone with them during this time.

Benefits of Oral Sedation in Dentistry

Reducing Anxiety and Discomfort During Procedures: The sedatives used serve to reduce awareness of the surroundings and dull the senses of pain, allowing patients to relax completely during the procedure.
Enabling More Complex or Multiple Procedures in Fewer Visits: With the help of oral sedation, dentists can perform multiple or complex procedures in a single visit that might otherwise require several appointments.
Safe Sedation Option: Oral sedation is known for its safety and ease of administration, making it an excellent option for a wide range of patients, including those who are anxious about needles associated with IV sedation. We follow strict guidelines to ensure the correct dosing and administration, coupled with continuous monitoring of the patient’s vital signs during the procedure to maintain safety at all times.

Woman smiling after oral sedation dentist in Canton, OH