Oral Sedation

24th August 2022

Oral sedation dentistry is a technique that utilises sedative medication in pill form to promote relaxation during dental procedures. The process typically involves the dentist administering the medication approximately one hour prior to the appointment, which helps to temporarily reduce brain activity and induce a state of calmness. Commonly prescribed medications for this purpose include triazolam (Halcion), zaleplon, and lorazepam.

Patients can expect to feel drowsy and may even drift off to sleep, yet they will remain capable of communicating with their dentist throughout the procedure. It is essential to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home afterwards, as the sedative can have temporary effects on memory and motor skills. Oral sedation is generally considered safe, with dosages kept below levels that could compromise breathing. However, potential side effects may include nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, chills, confusion, muscle aches, itching, and bladder issues.

This method of sedation, also referred to as conscious sedation, is one of several options available in sedation dentistry, alongside inhalation sedation and intravenous conscious sedation.