Sedation Dentistry

Many people are apprehensive about going to the dentist and even more about having certain procedures preformed. Dental fears arise for various reason ranging from a high gag reflex, sensitive to smells, taste, difficulty becoming numb or just an overwhelming fear of injections. If you have put off a dental procedure as a result of one or all of the dental fears listed or if you just have an overwhelming busy schedule then conscious sedation may be for you. Imagine being able to complete all your dental work in once visit. 

Conscious sedation is an altered level of sedation that is produced by the administration of various medications. A patient can still respond to respond to physical stimulation and verbal commands, and to maintain an unassisted airway.  The purpose of conscious sedation in the dental office is to produce a state of relaxation and/or pain relief.

Before a patient is cleared for Conscious Sedation the patients medical history is reviewed closely for any concerns that would contra indicate the use of conscious sedation.  We will also verify that the patient does have a driver to drive them home after the procedure. Once it has been established that the patient would be a good candidate for conscious sedation, just prior to the procedure, the patient will receive a pill called Halcion.  A patient will have BP and pulse oximetry monitoring through the procedure. 

After the procedure most patients will go home and sleep for a couple of hours awaking and remembering nothing of the procedure.  Even though you are technically awake during the procedure the conscious sedation works much like a hypnotic of some people letting them remember little or nothing of their time in the dental chair.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Conscious Sedation

• Will I feel any pain?
• Will I still be groggy after the procedure?
• Will I be unconscious during the procedure?
• Will my insurance pay for the conscious sedation?
• What dental procedure can be completed under conscious sedation?

Will I feel any pain?

No:  You should feel no pain.

Will I still be groggy after the procedure?

Yes, You will need a driver to drive you home after the procedure, as you will remain sleepy or groggy for 2-6 hours.

Will I be unconscious during the procedure?

No, You will be responsive to verbal commands and physical stimuli.  You will be in a deeply relaxed state.  Many patients even stop depending on the length of the procedure for restroom breaks.

Will my insurance pay for the conscious sedation?

As with most procedures insurance companies have many different guidelines for the payment of conscious sedation.  We will be happy to check with your insurance company prior to your procedure to see what they might pay.  

What dental procedure can be completed under conscious sedation?

Dental procedures ranging from the simple extraction, to crowns and full mouth restorations can be under with the use of conscious sedation.

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