Conscious Sedation

What is Conscious Sedation?

The conscious sedation option of sedation is used to help you both relax and be comfortable during your dental procedure.

A combination of two medications is used to safely keep you comfortable and relaxed. Conscious sedation includes a sedative to help you relax and an anesthetic to block any pain.

Depending on the procedure, it is likely you may need some sort of sedation to remain both calm and comfortable. Our experienced staff and doctors will help you choose the best medical option for your dental sedation in West Columbia, TX. Here are the main options we use for Oral Conscious Sedation:

Nitrous Oxide- Commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is an inhaled sedative that allows the patient to respond to questions while still feeling relaxed. This option has been used for many years with very few side effects. In fact, the side effects disappear quickly, so there is no grogginess after the procedure. Sometimes a dentist will use an oral sedative with the inhaled sedative to provide the patient with the best experience.

Valium– Also known as Diazepam, this is the most widely used and recognized medication in the group of oral sedatives. Since this medication is also long-acting, it is often used in more extensive procedures where the patient will need to be comfortable for longer periods of time.

Versed– This benzodiazepine medication, also called Midazolam,  has the shortest after effect on patients. It lasts around an hour so it is used for less invasive and quicker procedures.

Halcion- This drug is another benzodiazepine drug that is also often used for insomnia. This medication will make you feel extremely relaxed or sleepy. Also known as Triazolam, this medication is extremely effective for oral sedation and lasts around 4 hours. As with many oral sedation procedures, you will need a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from the appointment.

During your procedure, you will be able to stay conscious and respond to instructions. However, you won’t feel pain or discomfort.

The medication used in conscious sedation wears off relatively quickly. For this reason, conscious sedation is generally used for procedures that don’t take a lot of time.

Throughout your sedation, our experts will continuously monitor you to make sure you stay comfortable and receive safe and gentle care. Your comfort and dental health are very important to us. We work with you to bring you the dental treatments you need in a comfortable and relaxed setting.

Before You Have Conscious Sedation

Once you and your trusted dentist have chosen conscious sedation as your sedation option, we will discuss precautions and care instructions.

Before we begin, we will be sure to discuss your health condition. You may be asked to let us know the following information:

• Are you currently pregnant?
• Do you have any allergies, including medicine allergies?
• Do you have any other health conditions? Heart Disease? Diabetes? Asthma? Etc.
• What medications have you been taking?

The compassionate and experienced dental team at West Brazos Dental Center Brazoria will also give you instructions to prepare for the procedure, including:

• You might need someone to drive you to and from the dental office.
• Stop smoking before the procedure. Smoking can slow your healing and make the recovery process longer.
• Instructions on going without food or drink.
• Avoid alcohol.

How Will I Feel After Conscious Sedation?

For some patients, sleepiness can occur. Sometimes you may feel a little dizzy or have a slight headache. However, our kind and experienced staff will make sure you have everything you need to stay safe and comfortable. Many of our patients fall asleep during the procedure and wake up feeling better than ever.

One of the great advantages of conscious sedation is how quickly you can recover from your procedure. Since the medication leaves your body quickly, there is often very little after effect for many patients.

Conscious Sedation Calms Nerves and Ends Pain

At West Brazos Dental Center Brazoria, we know that a relaxed patient is often more likely to stay involved in their dental care. To keep you calm and relaxed during any procedure, we offer a variety of sedation medications, including conscious sedation.

If you frequently feel nervous or worried about your dental procedures, conscious sedation could be the answer. The medication is so gentle that it can often be used in even the most routine procedures for patients who stay anxious.

At West Brazos Dental Center Brazoria, we want you to always feel calm and comfortable. We work with you to find the perfect sedation option for your needs. Our office is designed to help you feel relaxed and at home. If you have any questions, concerns, or issues with your dental health, don’t hesitate to call us at 979-798-9103. You can sit back and relax while we make your smile beautiful and healthy.