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Sedation Dentistry – Marshall, TX

No More Fears at the Dentist’s Office

Woman relaxing in dental chair after oral conscious sedation in Marshall, TX

Fear of visiting the dentist is one of the most common phobias, and it can cause many people to become severely anxious and stressed over even basic checkups and cleanings. Some people are so afraid that they avoid visiting the dentist altogether. Have you ever thought of skipping an appointment due to your dental anxieties? Dr. Parker can offer a safe, comfortable environment here at Marshall Denture Clinic to help you feel at ease, but if you’re still on the edge, you can ask to have oral sedation performed at your next denture appointment. 

Oral Conscious Sedation

Woman smiling in dental chair after oral conscious sedation in Marshall, TX

Oral conscious sedation in Marshall involves the use of a sedative in pill form that you take shortly before your dental procedure. Patients like it because it does not involve the use of any needles or mask, and it provides powerful relaxation. It is an excellent choice for most patients with a degree of dental anxiety or other issues that make it difficult for them to comfortably get through treatments.

What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?

Woman preparing to swallow pill for oral conscious sedation

A range of different medications can be used in oral conscious sedation, including Valium, Ativan, or Halcion. The one that is best for you will depend on your specific circumstances. Within 15 minutes or so of swallowing the pill, you should begin to feel its effects. Nervousness and anxiety should melt away, leaving you relaxed and perhaps somewhat tired. Although you will not be unconscious, you might drift off to sleep while under the medication’s influence.

How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?

Dental patient relaxing while under the influence of sedation

Our first step will be to review your medical history and any medications you’re taking to confirm oral conscious sedation in Marshall will be safe for you. Then we can select an appropriate sedative drug and give you instructions on when to take it before your appointment.

Keep in mind that the effects of the sedative will linger for at least several hours after your appointment, so you should have a trusted friend or family member ready to drive you home. Once the medication wears off, you are unlikely to remember what happened during your appointment.

Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?

Dentist and patient discussing sedation options for upcoming treatment

As your sedation dentist in Marshall, Dr. Parker might determine that this relaxation technique is right for you if any of the following are true:

  • You suffer from moderate to severe dental anxiety.
  • You have a sensitive gag reflex.
  • You must undergo multiple or complex treatments that will require you to stay in our office for a few hours or longer.
  • You have physical limitations that make it difficult for you to sit still for an extended period of time.

Am I a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

Man smiling before oral conscious sedation in Marshall, TX

Oral conscious sedation may be a good choice for you if:

  • You find yourself becoming very anxious or afraid whenever you see dental instruments.
  • You routinely put off dental appointments out of fear.
  • You have a powerful gag reflex that often makes it hard to have work done on your mouth.
  • You tend to have trouble feeling numb after a local anesthetic is used.
  • You have neck or back problems that make it hard for you to stay comfortable in a dentist’s exam chair for long periods of time.

All you need to do is let us know about your concerns so that we can start looking into whether oral sedation is the right option for you. The medications used for oral conscious sedation have been prescribed and studied for years, so dentists and doctors are very familiar with their potential side effects; in general, they are safe for most patients to use, and any side effects that do occur tend to be very minor.

Sedation FAQs

Woman sitting up smiling after oral conscious sedation in Marshall, TX

Are you not sure that oral conscious sedation is right for you? Do you want to learn more about the process before pursuing it as a possible answer for your dental anxiety? Dr. Parker will be glad to take such questions in person, and you can always call our team if there’s anything you want to know. If you’d like to start learning more right now, we’ve collected some of the most common sedation questions we’ve heard and provided clear, concise answers below.

Will I Remember Anything with Dental Sedation?

Oral conscious sedation leaves you awake during the procedure, but the side effects of the drug may cause you not to remember what happened during your treatment. Not all patients experience amnesiac effects with this form of sedation, but it’s not uncommon either. Many consider the memory loss effect to be a positive aspect of the treatment, especially when they’ve had negative dental experiences in the past.

Is Sedation Dentistry Covered by Insurance?

For the most part, it usually isn’t. Many plans consider them to be a luxury treatment like cosmetic dentistry; sine dental insurance generally only helps pay for care that’s deemed medically necessary, sedation isn’t always included. There are exceptions, thought. If you have a cognitive disability like cerebral palsy or Parkinson’s that make it almost impossible to have dental care done under normal circumstances, your insurance company might consider paying for sedation. Naturally, these are just general rules; each insurance company is different and handles things their own way. Some may actually help pay for oral conscious sedation even without a medical reason. Our team can help you review the specifics of your policy to make your care more affordable.

Will I Feel Pain with Oral Conscious Sedation?

While you’ll still be awake for oral conscious sedation, the effects of the medication will strongly suppress your body’s ability to register pain. You might still feel some discomfort, but in many cases it will just feel like there’s pressure on your mouth.

Can Dental Sedation Make You Feel Sick?

There is a chance of experiencing nausea with oral conscious sedation. To avoid this particular symptom, it’s advised that you avoid eating for at least a few hours before your procedure. (Scheduling your visit as early as possible in the morning can make this easier.) If you tend to be prone to nausea in general, let us know. In some cases, an anti-nausea drug can be used to counteract the effects.

Exactly How Long Do the Effects Last?

You can generally expect the effects to last for the rest of the day, so once your visit is complete, you should have someone drive you home to recover. You should refrain from driving or working with any kind of machinery for at least 24 hours until you’re sure that the effects have completely worn off.