Anxiety-Free Dental Care with Oral Sedation

Walton Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry recognizes how difficult dental anxieties can be for patients. Our dental office provides oral sedation in Greenwood to help you relax. We want to establish a serene and stress-free environment so that you can get the dental care you require with peace of mind. Dr. Walton’s goal is to make sure you have the most comfortable and worry-free experience possible.

How Oral Sedation Eases Fear & Discomfort

Oral sedation is a sedation method that typically entails swallowing a pill prior to your procedure. These pills are in the family of medicines called benzodiazepines. Examples would include Valium, Xanax and Halcion. They can have a mild or moderate sedative effect depending on the dosage.

You will feel very relaxed and drowsy and may fall asleep, but are easily awakened. You will likely have a limited memory of the procedure, and the effects of the medication may last for a few hours.

Pros and Cons of Oral Sedation

• Pros: Oral sedation is relatively safe and fairly easy to administer, but you typically don’t want to drive after the procedure. For many people, oral sedation works well for minor procedures. 

• Cons: With more in-depth procedures or even longer procedures, oral sedation has some limitations. One of the biggest limitations is that after swallowing the pill, it gets metabolized or broken down in your stomach and liver, which not only takes a longer time to take effect, but also leaves only part of the active ingredient to work on your brain for the sedative effect. So, for some people, they may require additional pills. The problem is, it is hard to measure or titrate just how much the effective dose will be, and it can become unsafe at a certain point, or just not even effective.

Who Can Benefit from Oral Sedation?

Patients who experience anxiety when they see the dentist may benefit from oral sedation. Additionally, it will make you feel more comfortable and relaxed throughout your procedure, which is beneficial if you are afraid of needles or dental treatments.

If you have any of the following conditions, you might consider oral sedation:

• Your threshold for pain is low.
• The local anesthetic does not work on your sensitive teeth.
• You have trouble staying still in a dentist’s chair.
• You need substantial dental work done.

Oral sedation isn’t suitable for every patient, though. Dr. Walton will carefully review your medical history and alternatives to provide a safe and efficient sedation solution. You may have to think about alternative sedative options if you have any of the following:

• Liver and kidney disorders
• Conditions of the respiratory system
• Thyroid and adrenal issues
• Any stage of pregnancy
• Using drugs or having a history of doing so
• Presently using drugs

Oral Sedation for Stress-Free Dental Appointments

If you become anxious before dental operations, an oral sedative might be the answer you’ve been seeking! Our dental office provides oral sedation in Greenwood, IN, for a more comfortable and calm dental visit.

Do you wish you had a bright, healthy smile? Visit Walton Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry in Greenwood, Indiana, to make that goal a reality. Contact us today to learn more about how our state-of-the-art facilities and dental services can improve your smile and oral health!