Oral Sedation Specialist

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a branch of oral health care that uses sedatives to help people with dental anxiety relax while undergoing various types of treatment. 

At Portrait Dental, Dr. Nguyen offers oral, or conscious sedation. With oral sedation, you take a prescription medication by mouth. Once the medication dissolves and enters your bloodstream, it helps you relax and stay calm during dental treatment. 

Oral sedation doesn’t put you asleep. You’re able to answer Dr. Nguyen’s questions and follow instructions as needed.

What are the benefits of oral sedation?

Oral sedation presents an array of benefits. First, it allows you to receive dental treatment, such as a routine exam or restoration, while you’re comfortable and relaxed. This alone makes for a more positive dental experience. 

Second, oral sedation prevents you from fidgeting or moving around. If you have trouble sitting still for long periods of time, it can help loosen your muscles and ease tension throughout your body. 

Third, oral sedation makes it possible for you to undergo multiple treatments in one sitting. That means less time overall at the dentist’s office.

Last, but not least, oral sedation makes recovery more comfortable. Patients who participate in this type of treatment regularly report that they experience less pain, swelling, and irritation.

What type of medications does oral sedation utilize?

At Portrait Dental, Dr. Nguyen offers several different types of oral sedation. That said, the drugs used in oral sedation are members of the benzodiazepine family. These drugs work to reduce fear and anxiety by toning down activity within the fear receptors of your brain. 

Depending on your health history, Dr. Nguyen might recommend:

Sedative hypnotics

Sedative hypnotics induce a feeling of calm and relaxation. You might even find yourself dozing off. Sedative hypnotics also encourage hypnosis, which has relaxing physiological effects on your entire body. 

Anti-anxiety medications

Anti-anxiety medications relieve anxiety by promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. These drugs don’t put you to sleep, but they do help you feel comfortable and happy. 

Am I a candidate for oral sedation?

Oral sedation is safe and well-tolerated, but it isn’t for everyone. Make sure to let Dr. Nguyen know if you have any of the following medical conditions:

• Congestive heart failure
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease

You should also let Dr. Nguyen if you’ve been diagnosed with a mental illness such as bipolar disorder or if you’re pregnant. 

To learn more about the benefits of oral sedation, make an appointment at Portrait Dental today by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool.