Oral Sedation – Johnston, IA

Do you experience high levels of anxiety when visiting the dentist? You may be a candidate for Sedation Dentistry. Dr. Emily and Dr. Derek are board certified to administer mild, oral conscious sedation.

Sedation Dentistry

Advantages to patients include:

• Treatment is completed when you are in a more relaxed mood.
• You will have less difficulty sitting through a lengthy procedure.
• Multiple treatments and full mouth restorations can occur during the same visit.
• You most likely will not remember the procedure after it is done.
• Less discomfort after treatment.

Anti-Anxiety Pills

The most commonly prescribed medications that treat dental anxiety belong to the Benzodiazepine family.  These are medications such as Valium and Halcion. These medications decrease anxiety by binding to and toning down “fear” receptors in the brain.  They decrease your awareness of any unpleasant sights, sounds, or sensations associated with the dental procedure.

Benzodiazepines are also Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants (i.e. there can be a decline in blood pressure and breathing). It is very important to note that they shouldn’t be mixed with other CNS depressants, such as alcohol and narcotics. It’s important that you utilize the dose your dentist or doctor recommends. It is possible to overdose, and overdoses could lower your breathing to dangerously low levels, which could result in coma or death.

Please note that you shouldn’t drive after you’ve taken these medications.  An escort is required to drive you to and from your appointment.

When not to take benzodiazepines:

Some of these drugs can affect your liver and heart. It’s important to check with your practitioner and/or pharmacist.  You should be sure to inform your doctor or dentist if any of the following apply: known allergy to the drug, narrow-angle glaucoma, pregnancy, severe respiratory disease (COPD), congestive heart failure (CHF), impaired kidney or liver function, depression/bipolar disorder/psychiatric disorder, and chronic bronchitis. It’s also important to let us know if you are taking other medications, as there could be possible drug interactions.