Oral Conscious Sedation

work done on their teeth. Stress at the dentist’s office can even lead to the development of dental anxiety, a condition that sometimes results in delaying or avoiding dental treatment. We offer sleep dentistry and oral conscious sedation that helps children who experience stress and dental anxiety fully relax while they are in our office.

About Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation creates a moderate sedative effect that helps your child feel happy and comfortable while we perform the dental procedures your child needs for a healthy smile. Because it is a form of conscious sedation, your child will remain awake and relaxed, and be able to ask and answer questions. In some cases, your child may even doze off. This type of sedation dentistry also produces a mild amnesic effect, so your child won’t remember any stress or discomfort they may have experienced. 

You and your child may be glad to know that oral sedation does not involve needles – your child simply drinks a liquid medication. Most pediatric dentists use a medication that contains Midazolam oral syrup. Also known by the brand name Versed, Midazolam is a benzodiazepine that causes relaxation or sleep for a more comfortable pain free dentistry.

Our trained pediatric dental team administers the medication in a dose appropriate for your child’s age and weight, and monitors your child’s breathing and pulse. It can take upwards of 45 minutes for the medicine to take full effect. You can expect your child to feel groggy for a few hours following the appointment. The medication may affect your child’s motor skills for a few hours too, so your child may seem a little clumsy after receiving oral conscious sedation.

Is oral conscious sedation right for my child?

Our team of dental professionals can help you determine if oral conscious sedation is appropriate for your child to alleviate dental anxiety. We may recommend oral conscious sedation if your child experiences any of the following:

• Feels anxious or scared, or cannot cooperate with instructions well enough to maintain a safe, efficient environment for dental work
• Is having a lengthy dental procedure
• Has a particularly small or sensitive mouth
• Has a sensitive gag reflex
• Needs more sedation than nitrous oxide (laughing gas) provides
• Does not need deep sedation

While oral conscious sedation is safe when administered by an experienced dentist, there is a small risk for complications. You’ll be glad to know that the risk is small, and that our dental professionals have years of experience in administering oral conscious sedation. 

To ensure the most positive outcome possible, follow all pre-appointment instructions provided to you during your consultation with our dental team. Your child may need to avoid eating or drinking anything for 6 hours before their dental appointment. Be sure to tell us of any health conditions your child may have, and about any medications they take. 

For more information about sedation dentistry, consult with the dental professionals at Terrific Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. We look forward to helping your child have a bright, happy smile!