There are different kinds of sedation techniques; for example, Nitrous Oxide provides a calming effect, and General Anesthesia causes a complete loss of consciousness. In dentistry, the best kind of sedation is where the patient is awake. At Enamel Dental and Cosmetic Dentistry, oral sedation in Newport Beach utilizes specific medication to produce a relaxed and drowsy state, ensuring that dental procedures are smooth and painless.
The medications used to achieve conscious sedation in Dentistry come from a group of drugs known as benzodiazepines. These drugs have hypnotic and sedative effects. Furthermore, most patients experience some degree of amnesia, meaning they may or may not remember the events that occurred during their dental session.
Halcion, also known as triazolam, is the sedative medication that dentists recommend for adults, mostly because it acts quickly and offers greater levels of relaxation. Triazolam effects can last for 1.5-2 hours. Medical practitioners also prescribe this drug to patients with insomnia.
The difference between general anesthesia and oral sedation
Patients under general anesthesia are completely unconscious, thus cannot respond, and are without their normal protective reflexes. However, orally sedated patients can respond to instructions and do simple tasks like breathing without assistance.
Precautions to take before your treatment appointment
Triazolam is a safe drug when used on its own. However, it may interact with other consumed medications or chemicals like alcohol. Dentists advise patients to avoid taking erythromycin-based antibiotics or grapefruit juice. During initial consultation visits, you should inform your doctor about any prescriptions you may be taking to ensure that they may not react with triazolam.
Furthermore, let your doctor know if you have liver or kidney disease, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are allergic and hypersensitive to benzodiazepines.
Patients with glaucoma should first check with their ophthalmologist before taking Halcion.
What you should do on the day of treatment?
Your dentist will begin by checking your blood pressure and vitals. You will then take one Triazolam pill, which is about 0.25mg. Your dentist may give you a second dose if you are still feeling tense. Your dentists must respond to all your concerns when you are not sedated, preferably before the appointment. Ensure you arrive dressed in non-constrictive clothing, which will ensure that your session is comfortable.
You will need to stay in the office until all medical criteria are met before your doctor can release you. Your dentist will assess your medical status and ensure that the aftermath of the sedation is minimal and that you are awake and stable. You should arrive early and be ready to stay longer after the treatment is complete.
Sedation effects can last up to ten hours before they are completely out of your system. Therefore, although your doctor releases you from the office, expect to feel tired when you reach home. You may even take a nap. It is crucial to have someone with you who will provide extra assistance; for example, you are legally not allowed to drive after any sedation procedure.
Contact Enamel General and Cosmetic Dentistry to book a dental appointment that involves oral sedation and enjoy a seamless and comfortable dental treatment.