Sedation Dentistry, sometimes called Relaxation Dentistry, refers to the way dentist's manage pain and anxiety during dental appointments. Unlike general anesthesia where a patient is completely unconscious, asleep, and unable to respond,  patients under conscious sedation, are able to respond to commands and breath on their own.

Sedation is defined as a minimally depressed level of consciousness that retains the patient's ability to independently and continuously maintain an airway and respond appropriately to physical stimulation and verbal command. 

There are actually 14 different ways that sedation drugs can be administered. At Bridgetower dental, Dr. Cox offers patients a type of sedation dentistry known as "oral sedation".  
 
Oral Sedation

"Orally Administered Sedation", sometimes called  "Sedation Dentistry" is administered by taking a pill. All body functions remain normal and the person is able to breathe on their own. The patient will often fall asleep. Some degree of amnesia is common. The disadvantage with this method of sedation, is that the level of sedation for each person is not predictable. 

You will be prescribed a pill to take one hour prior to your scheduled dental visit.  It is imperative that you have someone drive you to and from your dental appointment.  When you arrive at the dental office, you will be awake and feeling very drowsy and relaxed.  During your procedure, you will be placed on a monitor to carefully watch your vital signs. There is no analgesic or pain relieving qualities provided by oral sedatives. Local anesthetics will be used to prevent pain.

"Oral Sedation"  is safe and available to most patient over 12 years of age and can be used in association with virtually any dental procedure. 

Contact us if you have any questions or would like to know if sedation dentistry is available for your procedure.