Conscious Oral Sedation in Massapequa, NY

Q: Is conscious oral sedation safe?

Generally, yes. As with everything, there are a few risks, but they aren’t very common at all. The important part is getting the right dosage of the medication. At The Ricco Dental Group, we are very thorough in making sure that you have the right dosage for a smooth experience.

The Ricco Dental Group provides conscious oral sedation for patients on Long Island, NY. Contact our offices in Massapequa or Plainview, NY to learn more about oral health and sedation dentistry.

What is Conscious Oral Sedation?

Conscious oral sedation involves taking a sedative in pill form about an hour before your dental care treatment. It will relax you for the procedure, making you groggy and sleepy. Some patients will remain awake for the entire procedure, but not remember any of it. Others will fall asleep. When combined with a local anesthetic, you will not feel any discomfort or pain during the procedure. Many patients report that their arms feel heavy and they feel light headed in a controlled state of relaxation, allowing them to feel comfortable throughout their visit.

Oral conscious sedation is a popular choice when compared with other sedation methods - such as nitrous oxide sedation (laughing gas) or IV sedation - and has proven to be very beneficial to those who are nervous or have anxiety about their procedure. This form of sedation dentistry offers a stress free dental experience for those with dental anxiety or dental phobia.

Benefits of Conscious Oral Sedation

There are a few major benefits of conscious sedation, including:

Ease the sensitive gag reflex
Reduction in anxiety and worry, helping patients who feel anxious about dental treatment
Allows the dentist to work faster without disruption
Provides relaxation for complex procedures
Offers rapid onset of calming effects, helping you feel comfortable and calm
Supports your overall well being during dental care

Are You a Good Candidate for Conscious Oral Sedation?

Anyone with a good level of overall health is often a great candidate for conscious oral sedation. However, this is a particularly great option for those who:

Have severe dental anxiety or fear or anxiety about going to the dentist
Have had a traumatic dental experience or suffer from dental phobia
Have a strong gag reflex
Want the benefits of sedation while remaining conscious
Have very sensitive teeth and gums

During your consultation, we'll review your medical history and unique needs to determine if oral conscious sedation is the right choice for you, or if an alternative minimal sedation option like nitrous oxide through a small mask might be better suited to your situation.

Why Choose The Ricco Dental Group?

At The Ricco Dental Group, we want you to want to visit our dental practice. Unfortunately, we know that no matter how welcoming, friendly, and compassionate our team is, you may still have anxiety and reservations about dental procedures. And, that’s ok.

To make your experience a little easier, we offer different types of sedation dentistry so that you remain comfortable. We work diligently to ensure that you are always in good hands with the proper dosage each time.

Next time you are worried about your dental procedure, know that we are waiting to greet you!

FAQs

How long does this type of sedation last?

Conscious oral sedation can last about 4 to 8 hours - or longer. The lingering effects mean it is important that you have a ride to and from your dental appointment, and know that you will not be going back to your normal routine once you leave our office. Plan for adequate rest time after your sedation appointment.

Is conscious oral sedation safe?

Generally, yes. Sedation dentistry is safe when administered by trained professionals. As with everything, there are a few risks, but they aren't very common at all. The important part is getting the right dosage of the medication based on your medical history and health. At The Ricco Dental Group, we are very thorough in making sure that you have the right dosage for a smooth experience. We use conscious sedation as a safe sedation agent and monitor your safety throughout the procedure.

Are there any side effects of conscious oral sedation?

Side effects vary from person to person, but a few common ones have been reported, such as dry mouth, headache, nausea, and grogginess. These are typically mild and temporary.

Contact Us

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact us or call 516-931-3999 for our Plainview, NY office or 516-798-0223 for our Massapequa, NY office.

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