Treatment of the Fearful Dental Patient with Oral Sedation

Dental Fear

Too frequently, a visit to the dentist is looked on with fear, dread and foreboding. The anxiety or fear of the dentist can be the result of a childhood experience, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress syndrome, or a fear of needles. Dental phobia affects countless individuals.

For patients frightened at the prospect of dental treatment, sedation presents an ideal remedy. Inducing an altered state of consciousness to minimize discomfort, conscious sedation allows fearful individuals to receive dental treatment.

Oral Sedation

A variety of oral pharmaceuticals induce sedation, including; Triazolam, Lorazepam, Diazepam, and Hydroxyzine. These sedatives provide an effective and safe approach to conscious sedation. While prescribed in higher doses for sedation, these pills are taken daily by millions of individuals to treat a verity of symptoms. These pharmaceuticals also remain in the patient’s body for longer than other sedatives, permitting the dentist to perform more procedures during one appointment. Similarly, because the sedatives’ amnesic effect lingers, patients rarely remember the appointment.

Fewer Appointments – More Procedures

A series of appointments are required for many dental treatment plans. This frequently deters fearful patients. Instead of compromising your oral health and abandoning the prescribed treatment, sedation successfully condenses the treatment into fewer, longer appointments. Oral sedation consequently allows all patients to comfortably receive the dental care they need or desire.

Oral Sedation Protocol

Prior to the sedation visit, the patient consumes the oral sedative as instructed. Often the patient will experience drowsiness before arrival at the dental office. Please bring any items which place you at ease. We also requests that you bring any current medications taken daily or in emergency situations, including asthma inhalers and supplemental oxygen.

Throughout the dental procedure, the dentist closely monitors the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, oxygen level, and alertness. Most sedation patients recall very little of their dental procedures.

Oral Sedation Precautions

Your dentist will determine if you are a candidate for sedation. This determination takes various factors into consideration; general health, interactions with current medication. Sedatives should not be used in conjunction with alcohol, with medicine producing a somnolent effect, or while pregnant. The patient must arrange transportation to and from the dental office on the day of the appointment.

Dr. Doug Larson ~ dentist

42 west campbell avenue

Campbell, Ca 95008

Treatment of the Fearful Dental Patient with Oral Sedation10.0101