Oral-Conscious Sedation in Indianapolis and Fishers, IN

Oral conscious sedation is a safe and effective option offered at our dental office to help patients feel relaxed and comfortable during their dental procedures. At Martin Dentistry in Indianapolis and Fishers, IN, our team of general and cosmetic dentists, including Dr. Matt Martin, Dr. Stephanie Martin, Dr. Lindsey Garrison, and Dr. Lynn Marshall, offers oral-conscious sedation as a comfortable option for patients who seek a more relaxed and anxiety-free dental experience while remaining awake during their appointment.

Patients undergoing oral-conscious sedation are prescribed a pill to take about an hour before their scheduled appointment, with the possibility of an additional dose upon arrival. The level of sedation is determined by the patient's anxiety level, and different dosages can result in varying levels of consciousness during the procedure. Throughout the visit, our dentists and staff closely monitor the patient to ensure their safety and comfort.

It's important for patients to note that, due to the sedative effects, they are not permitted to drive themselves to the appointment or home after the appointment. Therefore, arranging for a ride home is necessary.  Our team will provide you with post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery process.

Before oral-conscious sedation is given, the patient should meet with a dentist to thoroughly review the patient’s medical history, current medications, and any drug allergies. If it’s determined that a patient is a good candidate, the dentist will go over sedation options. If oral-conscious sedation is chosen, the pill will be taken 1 hour prior to the procedure. The pill will produce a tranquil state and the feeling will last throughout the procedure and several hours afterwards, so the patient will require an escort to drive him or her home. Since the patient is still conscious throughout the procedure, he or she should be alert enough to hear the dentist and respond to instructions. If a patient feels groggy and falls asleep, a simple shake should rouse the patient to wakefulness.

After oral-conscious sedation is taken, a patient should not drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours following the procedure. In some cases, the patient may remember little or nothing about the particular dental procedure, though memory will be intact for the rest of the day’s events. Since a pain-reliever, such as a local anesthetic, is usually administered prior to the procedure, most patients report little or no pain or discomfort after the dental work. For the most part, oral-conscious sedatives are considered quite safe and most patients can tolerate them well with no side effects. In some instances, patients may feel nauseous or vomit after taking the sedative.

When it’s time to visit the dentist and you feel more than a few butterflies in your stomach, then it’s the right time to call our office to schedule your consultation. Our trained professionals can discuss your concerns and answer any questions you may have about our sedation techniques.