Oral-Conscious Sedation

At Smiles of Chevy Chase, we offer an array of sedation dentistry options, including oral conscious sedation, a safe and effective form of sedation that doesn’t require IVs or gas inhalation.

Benefits of Oral Conscious Sedation

Some of the many benefits of oral sedation include:

431773 431774
407626 407632

Relaxing Dental Care with Oral-Conscious Sedation

If you experience dental anxiety or need to undergo a lengthy procedure, sedation dentistry can provide a comfortable experience. At Smiles of Chevy Chase, we offer an array of sedation dentistry options, including oral conscious sedation, a safe and effective form of sedation that doesn’t require IVs or gas inhalation.

Led by Chevy Chase, MD, sedation dentist, Dr. Despina Markogiannakis, our Greater Washington area dental practice is dedicated to helping you receive the care you need without discomfort or dental anxiety. Discover the benefits of oral-conscious sedation and how it can transform your dental experience by reading further or scheduling an appointment by calling 301-652-0656.

What is Oral Conscious Sedation?

Oral-conscious sedation, also known as oral sedation, is a convenient and comfortable form of sedation dentistry. It involves taking a sedative pill, typically a benzodiazepine, at a scheduled time before your appointment. By the time you arrive at Smiles of Chevy Chase, the calming effects of the oral sedation medication will have taken effect, allowing you to remain awake and responsive during your procedure while feeling deeply relaxed from anxiety.

Who Qualifies for Oral-Conscious Sedation?

You may qualify for oral sedation if any of the following apply to you:

Preparing for Oral Conscious Sedation

Preparing for a dental visit with oral conscious sedation is simple:

The Oral Conscious Sedation Process

/1

Consultation

Before approving you for oral-conscious sedation, your Chevy Chase sedation dentist will have you attend a thorough initial consultation. During this appointment, they will review your medical history, current medications, and other relevant factors to ensure that you can safely undergo sedation dentistry with anti-anxiety medication or sedatives. This comprehensive evaluation is crucial to minimize any potential risks and tailor the sedation experience to your individual needs.

/2

Dosage Determination

Several types of oral-conscious sedation medications can be prescribed. The specific medication and dosage recommended will depend on multiple factors, including:

  • Your level of dental anxiety or fear
    Your overall physical health and medical conditions
  • The type of dental procedure being performed
  • The estimated length and complexity of your appointment
  • During your consultation, your sedation dentist will carefully consider these factors and prescribe the appropriate oral sedation medication for you.

/3

Pre-Sedation

Follow your sedation dentist’s instructions carefully regarding when to take the sedative medication before your scheduled appointment. As the sedative medication will impair your ability to drive, you must arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you to and from our Chevy Chase dental office.

/3

Procedure Under Sedation

Once you arrive at our office, the oral sedation medication will have taken effect, inducing a state of deep relaxation and reduced anxiety. While you will remain conscious and able to respond to verbal commands, you may experience partial or complete amnesia about the dental procedure itself. Throughout treatment, our team will closely monitor your vital signs, such as blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart rate, to ensure your safety and comfort. Your dentist and our skilled staff will perform the necessary dental procedure with the utmost care and precision, ensuring a comfortable experience for you.

/4

Recovery

After your procedure, you will be closely monitored in our recovery area until the sedative's effects have sufficiently subsided. During this time, the responsible adult who accompanied you must remain present to assist you and receive post-operative instructions from our dental team. The duration of the recovery period may vary depending on the type and dosage of the sedative used, as well as your response to the medication. Once you are deemed stable and alert enough to leave, your companion will be responsible for ensuring your safe transportation home. It's important to note that the effects of oral sedation can last for several hours after the procedure. During this time, you should avoid operating heavy machinery, making important decisions, or engaging in activities that require complete alertness. We recommend that you rest and allow the sedative to fully wear off before resuming your normal routine

Discover Calm and Comfortable Dentistry with Oral-Conscious Sedation

Don’t let dental anxiety hold you back. Experience calming dental care at Smiles of Chevy Chase. Led by Dr. Markogiannakis, our team offers oral-conscious sedation to ensure your comfort during treatments.

Take the first step towards a healthier smile –schedule your consultation for oral-conscious sedation today. Call our Chevy Chase office at 301-652-0656 or contact us online now. We provide oral sedation and other sedation dentistry services to new and returning patients from Chevy Chase and surrounding areas such as Bethesda, Somerset, and Forest Hills, MD.

Frequently Asked Questions

When deemed medically necessary, most insurance providers will cover or at least partially cover the cost of oral-conscious sedation. If you have dental insurance, your dental office will contact your carrier to determine your benefits regarding sedation methods.

From there, your sedation dentist can better estimate your out-of-pocket costs. You should also contact your insurance provider beforehand to gain a better understanding of your plan and ask if your dentist provides in-office financing options.

Oral-conscious sedation is safe, as long as it is performed and overseen by trained professionals. Your dental team will constantly monitor your vitals during your procedure and check in with you regularly to ensure your safety and comfort. Your sedation dentist will also give you instructions to follow before and after sedation to ensure you recover and stay safe while the sedative wears off.

In general, oral-conscious sedation can help both adults and children who have dental anxiety or fears about going to the dentist. Children, who are often especially prone to dental fear, will likely find the calming effects of sedation highly beneficial. Just like with adult patients, your sedation dentist will provide your child with a thorough consultation beforehand to ensure sedation is safe for them.

Most commonly, patients experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting after taking oral-conscious sedation. However, these side effects should wear off quickly as long as you follow the instructions given to you by your sedation dentist. If you experience lingering side effects, contact your dental office as soon as possible.