Oral Conscious Sedation

Relaxing Sedation: Supports a Painless, Stress-Free Experience That You Deserve!

There is a lot riding on the health of your mouth. Healthy teeth and gums are associated with comfortable and proper chewing, speech, and function. Oral health is also associated with an attractive smile, and the appearance of your teeth and gums plays a significant role in how you feel about yourself. Furthermore, considerable medical literature has connected the dots between oral and systemic conditions. Oral bacteria and inflammation do not “stay put.” It travels through the bloodstream to other parts of your body, such as the heart.

Oral conscious sedation at Dental Oasis of Orange County in Huntington Beach, California, is essential for many patients with dental fear and other challenges when visiting the dentist for the care that is necessary to stay healthy and happy. Our dedicated team is equipped to safely offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation. Nitrous and oral sedation are methods to deliver a medication that relaxes the apprehensive or anxious patient. 

You may know nitrous oxide best as “laughing gas.” It is administered via a small mask placed over the nose. The effects of laughing gas are felt quickly. It is also quickly cleared from the body, thanks to the neutralizing effects of oxygen. For this reason, nitrous oxide is not associated with lingering drowsiness. It is generally safe for individuals to drive themselves home following their dental appointment. This approach is also a safe option for young patients. 

Oral conscious sedation can be a step up from nitrous oxide. Depending on the dose and type of medication or pill prescribed, oral sedation may be appropriate for “light” or more moderate sedation. Patients simply take their pills as instructed by our dental team. Since a lack of control can be “triggering” for some patients, it is important to know that this form of sedation does not cause you to “go under,” fall asleep or lose consciousness. 

While you may feel drowsy and doze off, patients generally just do not care about former triggers for fear – such as clinical sights, sounds, and smells. With patients at ease, it makes for a better and easier experience. We can also treat you quickly and more effectively, especially if a patient tends to fidget a lot when nervous. With that being said, you are always in the driver’s seat. Whenever you feel uncomfortable or have questions, we encourage you to let us know, and we will stop at any time. 

Sedation is just one of many “helpers” that aid in our ability to provide the most gentle and pleasant experience possible. We also use light-touch lasers and other treatment and diagnostic technologies.