What is conscious sedation dentistry and how does it work?

Oral conscious sedation (also referred to as oral sedation) is a safe, needle-less sedation method. We will give you a small pill to take prior to your appointment. This pill will relax you and may make you drowsy, so someone will need to drive you to and from you appointment. Once you arrive in our office, we will administer the next level of medication and make you completely comfortable before beginning treatment. We will provide a pillow and blanket if you'd like, and you may also bring your favorite music to make you feel more relaxed and at home. Oral Sedation will mimic the feeling of sleep, however you will be awake and able to answer any questions and respond to directions given by Dr. Varano. We will monitor you using a pulse oximeter, and we will be at your side throughout the entire time you are with us; you will never be alone during your sedation dentistry visit. When your treatment is complete you'll be comfortable and relaxed, and you in fact may have little or no memory of your dental visit.

Oral sedation safely and painlessly also eliminates the anxiety for many who have difficulty getting numb, strong gag reflexes, or are uncomfortable with the tastes, smells and sounds associated with dental treatment.


What are the benefits of Oral Conscious Sedation?

There are many benefits to conscious sedation dentistry. The primary benefit for conscious sedation dentistry is anxiety elimination. Patients who are afraid of the dentist can now receive vital dental care without fear. Bad previous dental experiences,even from childhood, may be permanantly tattooed in a patient's brain and make even the routine dental visit virtually impossible. If you are afraid of needles, or if the sounds, tastes, and smells of dental treatment make you uncomfortable, oral conscious sedation will change the way you view the dentist's office.

Oral sedation dentistry also has many benefits for patients who don't suffer from dental phobia. If you have difficulty getting numb, sensitive teeth, bad gag reflexes, complex dental treatments, or limited time to complete dental treatment, oral sedation may be your answer. Because you are relaxed and unaware of dental procedures, years of dental care often requiring six to eight appointments may be completed in as little as one or two visits , and yet may only feel like half an hour in the office.

Can any dentist perform this type of treatment?

Sedation dentistry involves a higher level of training and education beyond dental school curriculum, and thus very few dentists are able to perform oral conscious sedation. In New York State, dentists must fulfill certain prescribed criteria and in fact be certified by the Licensing Board.


Will I feel any pain during my sedation procedure?

No, you should not feel anything during your treatment.


Will I be unconscious?

No, but you will be in a deeply relaxed state,and may or may not be aware of your dental treatment; however you will be responsive.

How long will I be relaxing?

Depending on your needs, you may be in a relaxed state for two to six hours.Dr Varano will custom tailor a protocol for each patient's specific needs.

Will someone need to accompany me?

Yes. Due to the sedative effects of the medication, you will need someone to accompany you to our office and home again, although they do not need to stay in the office throughout the entire treatment.

Who is a candidate for sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is very safe. Excellent candidates for oral conscious sedation dentistry are patients who have:

· High Fear

· Difficulty getting numb

· Very sensitive teeth

· Limited time to complete dental care

· Strong gag reflexes

· Complex dental problems

· A fear of needles and shots

· Anxiety about the sounds, smells and tastes associated with dental treatment.


When can I go home?

Almost as soon as your treatment is complete, your companion can return you to your home, where you can finish your relaxing day.


How will I feel after my appointment?

You will feel as if you slept through your dentist appointment. Most patients who choose oral sedation dentistry say " I remember taking some pills, and the next thing I remember, my appointment was over." Most patients recall little or nothing about the treatment itself.

How can I learn more about oral conscious sedation dentistry?

Patients who are interested in sedation dentistry and would like to learn more should come in for a consultation-- NO TREATMENT WILL BE DONE THIS VISIT. Our office will be happy to further explain the process, including all risks and benefits. We are happy to assist patients with a fear of dental treatment.In fact,many of our patients travel from outside the New York/ metro area for our comfortable, pain and anxiety- free approach to dentistry. We will not perform any treatment until you understand and are comfortable with the procedure.

Interested patients may also visit SedationCare.com for more information as to how this level of care could potentially change your life!