Oral-Conscious Sedation in Houston, TX

Dentistry has experienced exciting advancements over the years, creating a more minimally invasive experience for patients overall. Despite more comfortable care, however, many patients still fear a visit to the dentist, even for routine care. To help make our patients feel comfortable and relaxed when receiving treatment for their smiles, Made Ya Smile Dental offers oral-conscious sedation. This sedation solution, also known as "twilight sedation," is a prescription anti-anxiety medication taken about an hour before your appointment begins. Oral sedation leaves you very calm and at ease but still with the ability to follow our instructions. If fear has been holding you back, talk to our caring Houston, TX team today and schedule your consultation at our welcoming family dental practice.

Oral-conscious sedation may be beneficial to patients of all ages who experience dental anxiety or fear when receiving dental treatments of varying types. It can also be ideal if you have a strong gag reflex, if you have had a less than pleasant experience in the past, or if you have multiple treatment requirements. During your treatment consultation, our general dentists will review your medical and dental histories and learn more about your dental fears and determine if you are a candidate for receiving oral sedation. To ensure your safety, we will ask you about any health conditions you may have and review medications or supplements you may be taking. Our team will then decide on the anti-anxiety medication that will best meet your needs and call in a prescription to your pharmacy. Receiving oral sedation may be contraindicated if you are pregnant, are allergic to benzodiazepines, or have heart or respiratory issues.

Our dentists prescribe several different types of anti-anxiety medications for oral-conscious sedation that can deliver a minimal or higher dose. The specific sedation medication prescribed for you will depend on the level of sedation needed, the length and complexity of treatment being performed, and your general health condition. During your treatment consultation, our dentists will provide you with a prescription for anti-anxiety medication, which should be taken an hour before your scheduled treatment time. The effects of the sedation medication will leave you awake but drowsy and possibly with limited memory of your procedure. You may also fall into a light sleep during your treatment but will be awakened easily. Due to these effects, you will need a responsible adult to drive you to and from your visit.

Before administering oral sedation to you, our team will talk with you about what to expect, how you will feel, and any potential side effects from the medication. Since there are varying levels of medications that can induce lighter or heavier sedation effects, recovery following oral sedation will vary among patients. However, you will still need for someone to drive you home from your appointment and keep you company for a few hours or until the effects wear off. You will not be in any condition to drive a car for the remainder of the day as you will likely still feel drowsy once the sedative effects of the medication subside. When taking anti-anxiety medication, you may experience dizziness, vomiting, nausea, or headaches. Eating a light meal before your visit and a small snack an hour or so after your appointment can help minimize the feeling of nausea and chance of vomiting. If you have any problems, side effects that linger, or questions following your care, please do not hesitate to call our team right away.

At your consultation visit, we will contact your dental insurance provider to learn if your plan offers any coverage for oral-conscious sedation. If you have out-of-pocket costs or are not using insurance, we are happy to review our convenient payment options to help sedation fit comfortably within your budget. Made Ya Smile Dental also partners with CareCredit® to bring low-interest financing options to our patients.

At Made Ya Smile Dental, we do not want you to miss out on getting the beautiful, confident smile you deserve because of fear or anxiety. We cater to those who are dental averse, offering oral-conscious sedation options in a warm and welcoming environment. For comfortable simple or complex care from an experienced team of dentists, contact our Houston, TX family dental practice today to learn more about oral-conscious sedation.