121 Jericho Turnpike Mineola, NY 11501
A Solution for Higher Levels of Dental Anxiety
Do you experience high levels of anxiety when visiting the dentist? If so, you may be a good candidate for oral sedation dentistry, sometimes referred to as "sleep dentistry." Dr. Druz, Dr. Sukiasian, Dr. Weinreb, Dr. Baine, Dr. Joseph or Dr. Gavras are board certified to administer oral conscious sedation for patients throughout Mineola, NY and nearby communities including Garden City, New Hyde Park, East Williston and Roslyn Heights.
Ask About Oral Sedation
What Is Oral Sedation?
Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before your appointment to help you feel calm and deeply relaxed throughout your procedure. Unlike nitrous oxide, which wears off almost immediately, oral sedation produces a longer-lasting state of relaxation, making it well suited for patients with more significant anxiety or those undergoing longer procedures.
The medications most commonly used for oral sedation in dentistry belong to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. These medications work by binding to and calming activity within the "fear" receptors of the brain, reducing anxiety and, depending on the dose, inducing a light, sleep-like state.
Advantages of Oral Sedation
Oral sedation offers several benefits for patients dealing with significant dental anxiety:
- A more relaxed treatment experience, since your procedure is completed while you are in a calm, comfortable state of mind
- Easier for longer procedures, since patients often have less difficulty sitting through extended treatment time
- Fewer total appointments needed, since multiple treatments or a full mouth restoration can sometimes be completed during the same visit
- Reduced discomfort after treatment, thanks to the relaxed state maintained throughout the procedure
What to Expect Before Your Appointment
Before your appointment, our team will review your complete medical history and current medications to confirm oral sedation is a safe option for you. You will receive clear instructions on when to take your prescribed medication relative to your appointment time. Because oral sedation affects alertness and coordination, you must arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment. Traveling on your own, even by bus or on foot, is not safe after taking these medications, since disorientation can occur easily.
How Oral Sedation Dentistry Works, Step by Step
Oral sedation follows a structured process designed to keep you safe and comfortable throughout your visit:
1
Pre-Appointment Instructions
Your doctor provides specific instructions on when and how to take your prescribed sedative medication before your appointment.
2
Arranging Transportation
Since you will not be able to drive yourself, you will need to arrange for an escort to bring you to and from the office.
3
Taking Your Medication
You take the prescribed medication as directed, allowing time for it to take effect before your treatment begins.
4
Monitoring Throughout Treatment
Your doctor monitors you closely throughout the procedure to ensure your comfort and safety while treatment is completed.
5
Recovery Before Leaving
After your procedure, our team monitors you briefly before you are released into the care of your escort for the trip home.
Understanding How Oral Sedation Medications Work
There are two general categories of benzodiazepines used in dental sedation:
- Sedative-Hypnotics, which induce calm, drowsiness and, at higher doses, a sleep-like state, sometimes described as a form of physiological sleep
- Anti-Anxiety Medications, which relieve anxiety and induce a state of calm and relaxation, generally without the same degree of sedation
Some benzodiazepines act primarily as sedatives, targeting areas of the brain associated with sleep, while others are more specifically targeted at the brain's fear centers to relieve anxiety. In most cases, higher doses tend to act as sedatives and induce sleep, while lower doses reduce anxiety without significant sedation. Your doctor will determine the appropriate approach based on your level of anxiety, the procedure being performed, and your overall health history.
Is Oral Sedation Right for You?
Oral sedation may be a good option if you:
- Experience significant anxiety or fear that has affected your ability to receive dental care
- Are undergoing a longer procedure or multiple treatments in a single visit
- Have had difficulty in the past sitting through dental treatment
- Prefer a deeper, longer-lasting level of relaxation than nitrous oxide alone provides
Because benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants, our team will carefully review your health history before recommending oral sedation. It is important to let us know if any of the following apply to you: a known allergy to sedative medications, narrow-angle glaucoma, pregnancy, severe respiratory disease such as COPD, congestive heart failure, impaired kidney or liver function, a history of depression, bipolar disorder or psychosis, chronic bronchitis, or any other significant health condition. Please also let us know about any other medications you are currently taking, since certain combinations can interact.
Get Comfortable, Relaxed Dental Care
Oral sedation offers a deeper level of relaxation for patients who need it most. Ask our team at PM Dental Care in Mineola, NY whether oral sedation is right for your next appointment.
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