In dentistry, oral sedation is a practical, painless and cost effective way of relieving anxiety. Before applying this principle, the sedation dentist in Long Island should know the advantages and disadvantages and some special considerations to ensure the safest possible course of treatment. Oral sedation is currently the most widely used method for dental surgeries. Oral sedatives attenuate the central nervous system and cause the patient to have a decreased perception of emotions and outer stimuli. The aim of sedation is to achieve a higher compliance, especially in anxious patients or in lengthy and complex procedures. The drugs used do not replace local anesthesia, but assist patients in coping with anxiety.
Advantages of oral sedation
Oral sedation is easy to use and also less painful; therefore allowing the person to go through a procedure more relaxed. The drug itself does not entail excessive costs either. When used properly, unexpected side effects are extremely rare. However, the dentist should have active knowledge of the pharmacology of sedatives used, but also some experience in dealing with oral preparations. Serious complications that primarily affect the breathing is always a possibility. Nevertheless, the dentist should be clear that the optimal level of sedation should be in a certain range.
Disadvantages of oral sedation
The dose of oral sedatives is not an exact science, but the dentist is required to have pharmacological knowledge of individual drugs and their profile for each specific case. The drugs are not titratable, that is, the depth of sedation cannot be adjusted as needed during treatment, and accidental overdose is possible at any time. Patients cannot drive or operate heavy machinery after ingestion of these drugs. Allergic reactions to oral sedatives is sporadically known.
Retaining control
When deemed reliable, the patient and Sedation dentist in Long Island will have an appropriate informed discussion that the medication is taken at an agreed date and time at home. Unreliable patients or parents of pediatric patients should be on the safe side and take the medicine about one to two hours before treatment. Sometimes the sedative is administered under medical supervision. After treatment, there has to be a recovery period as oral sedatives last longer than the most dental procedures.
