Sedation Dentistry – Oral Sedation
Dentist Lansdowne VA
Dental fear anxiety is more common than most people realize.
Whether you have a traumatic experience as a child, know that you have several extensive procedures coming up, or have a phobia of needles or blood, you are not alone in your fear of the dentist. Do you avoid going to the dentist even when you experience pain in your teeth or gums? Regardless of the type of dental procedure you have been avoiding, ask Dr. Kamboh about sedation dentistry options.
“I’ve been a sleep apnea patient for over 20 years. During that time I used CPAP. I finally saw Dr. Kamboh when I heard about other devices that could be used to treat sleep apnea. It’s comfortable and I’m finally getting the sleep I need. I’m ecstatic that I saw Dr. Kamboh for my sleep apnea!” Best sleep apnea dentist in Lansdowne.
Ken, Ashburn, VA
After 20 years of using a CPAP machine to try to sleep, Ken was through. “The machine is extremely cumbersome. The tubes get tangled up. It’s just uncomfortable.”
When he contacted Dr. Kamboh for a consultation, he was eager to try an oral appliance. Dr. Kamboh fitted him with the TAP 3 Elite, a mandibular advancement device that fits much like an orthodontic retainer or a mouthguard.
“The TAP 3 was a lifesaver. I breathe so well at night. The device is small, fits easily, and is easy to travel with. I really couldn’t be happier switching from CPAP.” After just a week with the device, Ken says his life is changed for the better. “I owe Dr. Kamboh big time. It feels like I got my life back!”
Oral sedation can ease your discomfort and offers the flexibility of sedation levels ranging from minimal to deep sedation, depending on the patient’s anxiety level. Sedation dentistry is a safe option for patients who have fears about dental work but recognize that they need to have their teeth cleaned, have cavities filled, or undergo other dental work.
With a small dose of oral sedation, the patient is less anxious about the procedure, but can still respond both verbally and physically.
This is known as conscious sedation. With moderate levels of sedation, patients are even more relaxed, but will respond only to significant stimuli. With deep sedation, the patient usually does not exhibit signs of consciousness, and will not respond to any environmental stimulus.
As your sedation dentist, Dr. Kamboh will give the patient a prescription for an oral sedative to be taken the night before the scheduled procedure. This sedative reduces the patient’s dental fear anxiety and helps them to relax and get a good night of sleep. The oral medication provided may be swallowed or placed under the tongue, depending on the sedative being used. After you arrive for the procedure, the sedation dentist will provide a second dose of the sedative.
There are several drugs used for oral sedation dentistry. Dr. Kamboh will determine the appropriate medication and dose based on your body size and level of anxiety. Options include Valium (Diazepam), Ativan (Lorazepam), Halcion (Triazolam), Xanax, Sonata, and others. Most of these are considered Benzodiazepines, or Benzos, which decrease anxiety by binding with receptors in the brain, reducing activity in parts of the brain that are responsible for fear. Some are intended more as sedatives, to induce a calming or drowsy effect, while others are anti-anxiety drugs, acting primarily to make you feel calm and less anxious.
There are several drugs used for oral sedation dentistry. Dr. Kamboh will determine the appropriate medication and dose based on your body size and level of anxiety. Options include Valium (Diazepam), Ativan (Lorazepam), Halcion (Triazolam), Xanax, Sonata, and others. Most of these are considered Benzodiazepines, or Benzos, which decrease anxiety by binding with receptors in the brain, reducing activity in parts of the brain that are responsible for fear. Some are intended more as sedatives, to induce a calming or drowsy effect, while others are anti-anxiety drugs, acting primarily to make you feel calm and less anxious.
During the procedure itself, you will feel relaxed and free from fear.
Depending on the sedation level, you may be aware of what is going on, although it will not frighten you. With some of the medications used, you will remember little of the procedure after it is complete. Because the medication can take several hours to wear off after the procedure, you will need someone to drive you home.
We look forward to serving you, so for any questions on oral sedation dentistry or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office, and a member of our team will be glad to help you.