What is Conscious Sedation?

What is conscious sedation and can it really keep you from feeling nervous or fearful while in the dentist chair?  For thousands of people dentophobia is a real thing, creating a paralyzing fear of anything “dentist”. This is where conscious sedation can be extremely beneficial.   

Conscious Sedation or Sedation Dentistry

Conscious sedation is the use of sedatives during dental visits to decrease anxiety and stop any pain or discomfort.

Whether it’s a simple cleaning to a more complex procedure, sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to make dental visits as stress-free as possible.

Types of Dental Sedation

Nitrous oxide is an odorless and colorless gas that is also known as “laughing gas.” When inhaled, the gas slows down the body’s reaction time which results in a calm, euphoric feeling. It works as a mild sedative and can be used to treat pain.

Oral sedation is a little stronger than nitrous oxide and is a prescribed medication that patients take at home before their appointment. It allows patients to feel deeply relaxed, but they will remain conscious and able to communicate throughout the procedure.

The effects of oral sedation can take longer to wear off than nitrous oxide, so you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.

In both cases of conscious sedation, a local anesthetic is given to make sure the patient feels no discomfort or pain.  

Before any sedation is prescribes or administered, the dentist will go over the best options based on the individual’s treatment needs, anxiety level, and health history.

Benefits of Conscious Sedation

• Conscious sedation can keep you calm and comfortable for multiple dental procedures.  You will enjoy lower costs and fewer visits. 
• Sedation dentistry is invaluable in keeping patients calm and still in the chair, which in turns lets the dentist work faster.   
• It is also an invaluable approach for those with sensory disorders.
• For people with a high gag reflex, sedation can help paralyze the gagging response.

If you struggle with dental fear or anxiety or are in need of a complex dental procedure in Albuquerque, NM, Dr. Abeyta would love to discuss your options and help you get the treatment you need in as comfortable a manner as possible.

Dr. Abeyta accomplishes all of the procedures without discomfort, in a relaxing atmosphere. She invites you and your family to visit the practice, and learn more about the ways your smile can benefit from her office at (505)-293-7611.

Dr. Abeyta Operates a Holistic Dental Practice.