How Conscious Sedation Works In Dentistry

A conscious sedative is a type of anti-anxiety medication administered intravenously before a dental procedure begins. It is often referred to as twilight sedation. In this method of sedation, the patient is not put to sleep. Rather, the sedative helps the patient to relax and feel at ease during the procedure. In most cases, the patient may be able to respond to the dentist’s questions while under sedation.

Reduce Dental Anxiety

A major reason why this method of sedation is preferred by many patients is that it helps those who are exceptionally nervous about their treatment or the procedure being performed. You don’t have to avoid the dental office because you are scared of the pain or anxious about being put to sleep. Conscious sedation ensures worry-free and comfortable care.

Limited Mobility And Relaxation

Many patients are unable to remain still during a procedure. Kids and other patients who cannot sit still for long will benefit from this procedure. The dentist can safely proceed with dental treatment when the patient has been sedated.

What Will A Love To Smile Dentist Near Me Recommend?

When it comes to determining the right type of sedation that would be ideal for you, we can help. Our experts will talk you through all the options you have and may recommend conscious sedation based on the type of procedure to be performed, your anxiety level, and pain tolerance.

The Benefits Of Conscious Sedation

• Patients Remain Conscious, Yet Relaxed Throughout Procedures
• Patients Experience Less Pain During Procedures
• Ideal For Those With Jaw Issues And Other Oral Sensitivities
• Helps To Reduce Fear And Make Procedures More Comfortable
• Procedures May Take Less Time Or Fewer Appointment
• An Option Available For Many Different Procedures

Conscious Sedation Dentistry

For comfortable care, you can count on your dentist here at Love to Smile. We aim to make dental care easy for our patients, and we strive to ensure that they don’t experience pain during our procedures. If you need a procedure performed, yet you’re worried about the pain it may cause, conscious sedation may be an option. Feel free to give us a call to learn more and to schedule an appointment! Again, we have dental offices in Overland Park, Lenexa, and Peculiar, and we would be happy to let you know if conscious sedation is a viable option for your upcoming procedure.

Conscious Sedation FAQ’s

• When is Conscious Sedation an Option?
  • Conscious sedation isn’t suitable for everyone. For those who suffer from sleep apnea and those who are obese, conscious sedation may cause complications, so your dentist may not recommend a sedative. In addition, if you’re taking certain types of medication, you may not be a viable candidate for conscious sedation. Young children may also not be candidates for this procedure. If you’re wondering whether or not you can undergo conscious sedation during your upcoming dental procedure, please give us a call to find out more information.
• Am I a Viable Candidate for Conscious Sedation Procedures?
  • Conscious sedation isn’t suitable for everyone. For those who suffer from sleep apnea and those who are obese, conscious sedation may cause complications, so your dentist may not recommend a sedative. In addition, if you’re taking certain types of medication, you may not be a viable candidate for conscious sedation. Young children may also not be candidates for this procedure. If you’re wondering whether or not you can undergo conscious sedation during your upcoming dental procedure, please give us a call to find out more information.
• Is Conscious Sedation Different From Deep Sedation or Anesthesia?
  • Yes. Conscious sedation involves less sedatives than deep sedation or general anesthesia. Instead of losing consciousness, a patient is only mildly sedated during conscious sedation. He or she may be aware of their surroundings, and they may fall into a light sleep. Those who undergo conscious sedation should be able to be woken fairly easily if they do doze off.
• Can I drive after a procedure with conscious sedation?
  • No. You’ll have to have someone else drive after a procedure.
• Will I need someone to pick me up?
  • Yes. You should plan ahead to have a trusted, responsible adult waiting to pick you up from the dental office after your conscious sedation procedure. Guests are welcome to wait here at the office until you’re ready to be released.
• What else should I avoid after a conscious sedation procedure?
  • You should not drive, consume alcohol, or make any legal decisions for 24 hours after conscious sedation is completed. It is also recommended that you don’t use tobacco products until the next day. It’s also recommended that you don’t care for children immediately after a conscious sedation procedure. You can find more recommendations and guidelines from MedLine in their article
• Are there any side effects to conscious sedation?
  • Patients may experience a variety of side effects after undergoing conscious sedation, including all of the following:
    • Drowsiness
    • Feeling sluggish
    • Feeling heavy
    • Amnesia (or loss of memory of the procedure)
    • Slower reflexes
    • Headaches
    • Lower blood pressure
    • Nausea

    Side effects may vary from person to person.

• Will my dental insurance cover conscious sedation procedures?
  • Insurance coverages vary from plan to plan. However, more and more insurers are opting to cover conscious sedation procedures, thanks to the benefits it may provide to patients. Reach out to your dental insurance provider to learn if you have coverage for conscious sedation expenses.
• How will I feel during conscious sedation?
  • The sedative of conscious sedation should help you to feel relaxed. In addition, the anesthetic component of conscious sedation should block any pain that you would otherwise feel. So, throughout a procedure, you should feel relaxed and shouldn’t feel much, if any, pain.
• How will I feel after conscious sedation?
  • Those who undergo conscious sedation slowly return to normal within a few hours. Patients may be drowsy at first, and they may have some memory loss of the procedure. As the sedative wears off, patients tend to feel more awake and responsive.
• How soon can I leave after a conscious sedation procedure?
  • We will monitor conscious sedation patients until they are ready to leave the office. We want to ensure that patients’ vital signs return to normal before they leave, so that they aren’t at risk of a health complication. We’ll also make sure that you are conscious and aware of your surroundings before you leave. Release times vary from patient to patient.
• Who will be administering the conscious sedation?
  • The sedatives used in conscious sedation can only be administered by a trained and certified individual. Your dentist or a trained dental assistant will administer the sedative and monitor you throughout your procedure.