Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral Conscious Sedation Can Ensure More Comfortable Treatment
Enteral, or oral conscious sedation, is a form of sedation that uses an orally administered sedative that is usually combined with nitrous oxide. While using enteral sedation your body systems remain normal and you are able to breath on your own. Many patients experience some amnesia effect and don’t remember much of the dental visit.
With Enteral Conscious Sedation you will feel a deep relaxation and many people fall asleep. You will still be able to speak and respond to instructions.
The Medications given for sedation usually include a category of drugs that are similar to Valium such as Halicon (triazolam) and are very safe. Not only do these drugs provide a sedative effect but also as mentioned above provide some degree of amnesia. Enteral Conscious Sedation is often called Sedation Dentistry or Relaxation Dentistry.
Who Should Consider Conscious Sedation?
Anyone who has anxiety or fear of dentistry is a great candidate for sedation. Those with severe anxiety would be better served by IV Sedation because it can provide deeper and more predictable sedation. Also, people who are needing long dental appointments may opt for enteral sedation to keep them relaxed during the long visit. So if nitrous doesn’t provide the proper level then Enteral sedation may work very well for you. Enteral Sedation will help most patients reduce stress, fear, and anxiety associated with dental work to acceptable levels.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Call 972-618-5000 to schedule your appointment today.
We gather information regarding your health and discuss with you your wants and desires. If you’re comfortable, we’ll take x-rays and look in your mouth. But you will never be judged or embarrassed.
We’ll give you a prescription for a sedative to take when you arrive at the office. Don’t forget to bring your medication.
Your companion will bring you to the office. Nitrous Oxide will be provided to enhance your sedation. Your experienced sedation team will monitor you throughout your entire visit.
Your companion will take you home and stay with you until you’re completely recovered from your sedation medication.
Most patients feel no residual effects from the sedation and you’ll be pleased that you were able to get the dentistry you needed with much less stress.
You should not operate a motor vehicle for 24 hours after receiving Oral Conscious Sedation.
Comparison of Sedation Types
| Nitrous Oxide | Enteral/Conscious (pill & nitrous) | IV Sedation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chance of “waking up” or being alert during procedure. | Nitrous OxideYou will be alert during procedure but feel woozy. | Enteral/Conscious (pill & nitrous)Yes | IV SedationNo |
| Best Use | Nitrous OxideMild anxiety or fear; any length appointment. | Enteral/Conscious (pill & nitrous)Mild to moderate fear or anxiety; short to medium length appointments. | IV SedationModerate to severe fear or anxiety, medium to long length appointments. |
| Medication | Nitrous OxideNitrous Oxide Only | Enteral/Conscious (pill & nitrous)Halcion, or similar sedative drug, plus Nitrous Oxide. | IV SedationIV administered medications. |
| Monitoring | Nitrous OxideBP, pulse, respiratory rate monitored by Dentist. | Enteral/Conscious (pill & nitrous)BP, pulse, respiratory rate monitored by Dentist. | IV SedationPulse oximetry, BP, pulse, respiratory rate monitored by Anesthesiologist. |
| Effects on Gag Reflex | Nitrous OxideNone | Enteral/Conscious (pill & nitrous)Reduction in gag reflex | IV SedationNo gag reflex |
| Effects on memory of appointment | Nitrous OxideNone | Enteral/Conscious (pill & nitrous)Moderate reduction of memory of appointment. | IV SedationNo memory of appointment. |
| Six hour fasting food, no liquids 2hr prior to appointment. | Nitrous OxideNo | Enteral/Conscious (pill & nitrous)Yes | IV SedationYes |
| Need adult responsible party for ride home and recovery. | Nitrous OxideNo | Enteral/Conscious (pill & nitrous)Yes | IV SedationYes |
| Recovery period | Nitrous Oxide20 minutes | Enteral/Conscious (pill & nitrous)6-8 hours | IV Sedation2-4 hours |
| Medically compromised patient | Nitrous OxideYes, depends on medical condition | Enteral/Conscious (pill & nitrous)No | IV SedationYes, Medical Doctor Anesthesia Certified present |
| Age restrictions | Nitrous OxideAll ages | Enteral/Conscious (pill & nitrous)18+ | IV SedationAll ages determined by Anesthesiologist |
| Cost | Nitrous Oxide$ | Enteral/Conscious (pill & nitrous)$$ | IV Sedation$$$ |
Advantages of Oral Sedation
- Easy to administer: Swallow a small pill
- It is safe and easy to monitor
- Works well for most people
- Low cost
Disadvantages of Oral Sedation
- The level of Sedation is not easily changed
- Someone must drive you to and from your dental appointment
- There is no analgesic (pain relief effect)
- If the sedation level is not sufficient then dental work may need to be postponed and IV sedation considered