Oral Conscious Sedation – Hillsboro, OR

What is Oral Conscious Sedation?

One of the most popular forms of sedation dentistry out there is oral conscious sedation because of its effectiveness and ease of use. After having a thorough review of your medical history, any medications you are currently taking, and your current allergies (if applicable), we can confirm if this form of sedation is right for you. You should take the sedative at least an hour prior to your appointment. By the time you arrive at our office (with a friend or family member driving you to the practice), you should feel completely relaxed and ready for care.

We can ensure the pill is weaker or stronger depending on the severity of your anxiety. While mild forms are meant to make you feel drowsy, moderate forms are more likely to cause you to fall into a light sleep.

What Should I Expect?

It’s important to keep in mind that your sedation is not meant to put you to sleep entirely (like general anesthesia from hospitals does.) This means you will still be able to communicate with our dentists should you need further accommodations for your comfort. Because of the effectiveness of the sedative, you will need to have a friend or family member drive you to and from the practice. It’s also important to wait until the sedative has completely worn off before you resume regular activities, such as work. The safest way to ensure the sedative has had time to wear off is to wait a full 24 hours.

Benefits of Oral Conscious Sedation

Since the sedative often causes short-term memory loss, you will find it very difficult to remember exactly what happened during your dental appointment. If you suffer from dental anxiety or fear, this means your appointment will be far easier to complete.

However, you don’t need to have anxiety in order to take advantage of oral conscious sedation. In fact, sedation is also perfect for:

• Those who have more invasive treatments to complete
• Patients with a sensitive gag reflex or low tolerance for dental discomfort
• Those with special needs who find it difficult to sit still in the dental chair
• Patients with long or multiple treatments to complete

Oral Conscious Sedation FAQs

Oral conscious sedation has the potential to help you breeze through upcoming dental procedures. Before you request your consultation with us, however, you may have questions about oral conscious sedation. That is why we have compiled the following brief list of FAQs. If you do not see the information you were hoping for, you are more than welcome to call us directly. As your friendly local sedation dentist, we are always ready to assist you!

Is Oral Conscious Sedation Safe?

Your dentist is committed to your safety, so you can be sure we will thoroughly assess all relevant risk factors before we recommend oral conscious sedation. For most patients, this form of sedation is quite safe. Your dose of the sedation medication will be carefully calculated to minimize the risk of complications.

How Much Does Oral Conscious Sedation Cost?

When we give you an estimate for the cost of your treatment, we’ll also discuss the price of your sedation options. The cost will depend on the specific type of medication used, the dosage, and other factors. If you need help to pay for your treatment, including sedation, ask us how you can apply for flexible financing through CareCredit.

What Factors Could Negatively Affect My Candidacy for Oral Conscious Sedation?

Pregnant women should not take oral conscious sedation (if you are pregnant and past the first trimester, nitrous oxide might be a viable sedation option for you). Additionally, if you have any respiratory conditions or are taking certain medications that could have a bad reaction with the sedation drugs, oral conscious sedation might not be right for you.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Oral Conscious Sedation?

Coverage for sedation varies from between dental plans. While most do not cover oral conscious sedation, there are exceptions. It’s certainly worth checking the details of your policy to see how it applies. Our office staff members are used to dealing with the ins and outs of insurance, and they will be happy to help you navigate your coverage. Simply provide us with your policy information when you contact us to schedule your appointment as an existing or new patient.

Which Specific Medications Are Used for Oral Conscious Sedation?

There are a number of different medications that can be used for oral conscious sedation. Diazepam, lorazepam, triazolam, and midazolam are all commonly used.

What Are Common Side Effects from Oral Conscious Sedation?

As mentioned above, short-term memory loss is one common side effects of oral conscious sedation. Some patients experience other mild, temporary side effects, including dizziness, dry mouth, and headaches. If you experience any of these symptoms, you can expect them to subside as the medication wears off. However, if you notice any severe side effects (which are quite rare), you should seek medical attention right away.