Oral Sedation

At Lenox Hill Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we offer Oral Sedation as an effective solution for patients who experience dental anxiety or discomfort during procedures. Our Oral Sedation methods are tailored to ensure a stress-free and comfortable dental experience.

What is Oral Sedation?

Oral (non-parenteral) sedation involves taking a  pill or a customized “cocktail” of medications about 30 min prior to your dental procedure. This method is designed to remove fear and anxiety that many patients associate with dental procedures or surgeries. It’s an attractive option for patients who are fearful of needles as no intravenous access is needed.It delivers light to moderate levels of sedation, so you’re still technically awake but feeling very relaxed and carefree. It’s sometimes called conscious sedation or “twilight sleep” because it creates a state of short-term amnesia (forgetfulness) where you experience insensitivity to stressful environment without the loss of consciousness.

There are several reasons for why you might benefit from oral sedation. The level of sedation is similar to but somewhat deeper than that achieved with Nitrous Oxide and may be needed for patients with traumatic previous episodes or higher than average levels of anxiety. Oral sedatives will deliver additional amnesia, which is particularly comforting for patients with dental phobia and young children. Although similar to Nitrous Oxide in effect, oral sedation often has attractive advantages. For example, patients with  claustrophobia may not be able to tolerate having a facemask on throughout the procedure. Also, patients with allergies and congestion may not be able to achieve adequate levels of sedation with Nitrous Oxide as delivery routes may be partially obstructed. As opposed to IV sedation, no “needle sticks” are involved which is an important factor for a number of patients as well.

Prior to offering any type of sedation, we will carefully review all of your health and medical history. We will then recommend the sedative that we believe is right for you and your needs. Most patients coming into our office can benefit from oral sedation, and we'll discuss how it should be taken in order for it to work properly. Oral sedation is a great option for all age groups and most health conditions. Many patients find that oral sedation makes their experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

The oral sedation process begins by offering you a small and easy-to-swallow pill or small amount of customized sedative liquid. This needs to be done upon compilation of all necessary pre-surgical documentation, including signing the consent, about 20-30 min before the start of your procedure. You may need someone to drive you both to and from the office if you are having oral sedation for your surgery, as effects may linger for the rest of the day. 

Seeking a Comfortable Dental Visit? Book an Oral Sedation Consultation - Trust Lenox Hill for a serene dental care experience.

Need More Information? Call Us - Our team is ready to provide you with the information and care you need.