The benefits of sedation dentistry are clear to most patients: significantly reduced anxiety, the ability to sit longer and more comfortably in the dentist’s chair, allowing the dentist more time to complete necessary dental work, and sometimes reducing the total number of required visits to the dentist’s office. With that in mind, patients who are considering the use of sedation dentistry often wonder what they should expect in terms of side effects.
Our dentist, Dr. Jimmy Wu, uses a sedation technique called oral conscious sedation. This technique, which is pain-free and requires no needles, uses a small pill that is taken about an hour before the dental procedure. The most common side effect of oral conscious sedation is a sleepy or groggy feeling, and Dr. Wu recommends patients arrange transportation both to and from the dentist’s office since these effects can take some time to wear off. Some patients also may experience a headache or a feeling of “dry mouth” after treatment; however, these effects should only be temporary.
Oral conscious sedation does not “knock you out” like general anesthesia. With our preferred sedation dentistry technique, though you will be in a completely relaxed state, you can still communicate clearly with the dentist throughout your procedure. However, since patients often feel completely at ease, many drift off and do not remember the details of the procedure afterward. During the consultation process, Dr. Wu will carefully review your medical history and a list of medications you are currently taking to ensure sedation dentistry is right for you.
Your safety and comfort remain among our top priorities at Sutra Dental Spa, and patients who are sedated during dental treatments are continuously monitored throughout the procedure to ensure everything is running smoothly. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
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