For a long time, dental visits have been associated with anxiety, discomfort, and pain, especially for those with sensitive teeth or a low pain threshold. However, this narrative is rapidly changing with the latest advancements in pain-free dental care. Today, dental care professionals in Glen Carbon, Illinois, have embraced oral conscious sedation and IV sedation to help patients have better experiences and get over their fear of seeing a dentist. 

With oral conscious sedation, the dentist prescribes a sedative medication to be taken orally before the procedure. The patient remains conscious and responsive to the dentist’s instructions. However, there may be a bit of drowsiness, requiring transportation arrangements to and from the dentist’s office. Most patients fall asleep during treatment with oral conscious sedation and don’t remember their visit the next day.

Let’s look at five ways oral conscious sedation can improve your dental experience:

1. Reduces Anxiety and Fear

The medication used is designed to calm nerves and relax the body, making dental procedures more comfortable and manageable. The sedative used is typically benzodiazepine, such as diazepam, lorazepam, midazolam, or triazolam. Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps regulate calmness and relaxation in the brain.

2. Minimizes Pain and Discomfort

Benzodiazepines also have a muscle-relaxing effect, which can help reduce physical tension and discomfort during dental procedures. They also reduce sensitivity to pain, making them an ideal option for patients with sensitive teeth.

3. Increases Patient Cooperation

By reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation, oral conscious sedation makes it easier for patients to cooperate with dental procedures, even those deemed “too invasive,” such as tooth removal and surgery. This allows dentists to work more efficiently and effectively. 

4. Allows for Longer and More Complex Procedures

With oral conscious sedation and IV sedation, patients can undergo longer and more complex procedures without feeling overwhelmed or uncomfortable. This is particularly beneficial for patients who require multiple procedures or have a low pain threshold.

5. Caters to Special Needs Patients

Oral conscious sedation and IV sedation can be especially beneficial for patients with special needs or disabilities that may hinder treatment. For example, it can help a patient with autism who may experience anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or difficulty communicating.  It helps them relax and cooperate with their dentist, making the experience more positive.

Your Pain-Free Dentist Office in Glen Carbon, Illinois

By reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation, oral conscious sedation can lead to a more positive dental experience for you and your loved ones. Get over your fear of dentists by seeking comfortable and pain-free services from Kellerman Dental. Here, Dr. Kevin Kellerman and his team, including Dr. Jessica Wen, Dr. Jesse Snyder, and Dr. Ashton Stewart, will use the most advanced technologies in dental care to offer the best experience, whether undergoing a minor or complex procedure. Contact our office today at (618) 228-3100 to schedule an appointment or click the ‘schedule now’ button at the top of this page to request an appointment with our team.

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