Services
Oral sedation
Oral sedation is a prescribed pill taken before the visit, for people whose fear, or a long visit, makes nitrous oxide not enough. Your dentist chooses the medicine and the amount.
You stay awake, relaxed and drowsy, and you can answer when we speak to you. An adult drives you home and stays with you.
What happens
Usually one planning visit, then one or more treatment visits. Your dentist tells you the range.
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Step 1: A visit to plan it
We review your health history, medicines and allergies, and sometimes ask your physician. The dentist writes the plan and your instructions.
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Step 2: The days before
You get written instructions on food, drink and your regular medicines, and you arrange for an adult to drive you and stay with you.
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Step 3: At the office
You take the medicine as instructed and wait while it takes effect. Someone from the team stays with you.
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Step 4: The dental work
We watch your oxygen level, pulse and blood pressure the whole time. We can add nitrous oxide, and we numb the area as usual.
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Step 5: Going home
You rest, with your adult, until the effects pass. That can take most of the day.
Comfort, choices and care
Comfort
You can ask for a break at any point, and the team keeps talking with you. Numbing still applies, because the pill relaxes you but doesn't numb a tooth.
Other choices, and waiting
Other choices are nitrous oxide, IV sedation, or no sedation at a slower pace. Putting care off can let a problem grow quietly; we will tell you what we see without a lecture.
Risks and after-care
Drowsiness can last for hours. Some people feel nauseated, dizzy or confused, and the medicine can slow breathing, which is why we watch it. Don't drive, work or make big decisions until your dentist says you can.
How it's billed
Oral sedation appears as its own line on your written estimate, by the level and the time. Many dental plans pay little or nothing toward it, and we tell you before you schedule.
How fees work
Questions about oral sedation
Will I be awake?
Most people stay awake but drowsy and can answer when we speak. Some people become very drowsy, and we can rouse them by speaking. We can't promise how much of the visit you will recall.
Who gives the medicine?
Your dentist, who holds the permit that Kentucky requires for oral sedation. The owner confirms each dentist's permit.
Why do I need someone with me?
The medicine affects your balance and judgment for hours. An adult takes you home and stays with you.
What if I take other medicines?
Bring a list to the planning visit. Some medicines don't mix with sedation, and we may ask your physician before we plan.
Provided by a general dentist
All three of our dentists give oral sedation.