At Great Basin Dental, we understand that visiting the dentist can make some people feel anxious or nervous. Whether it’s due to a past experience or fear of pain, dental anxiety is very common. Oral sedation is available as part of our general dentistry treatments. We use this tool to help ease stress and make routine visits more manageable.
Anthony Guillen and Dr. Kristian Sievert offer oral conscious sedation to help patients feel more comfortable and relaxed during their appointments. This safe and effective method allows our Reno patients to remain calm while still being awake and aware throughout dental treatment.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation involves taking medication before your dental appointment to help you feel relaxed and at ease. The medication is typically in pill form and is taken about an hour before your procedure. By the time you arrive at our office, you’ll feel calm and less worried about your treatment.
Even though you’re awake during the procedure, oral conscious sedation puts you in a deeply relaxed state. You’ll still be able to respond to the dentist’s instructions, but you may feel drowsy or even forget parts of the procedure once it’s over. This makes it a great option for patients with mild to moderate dental anxiety who want to feel more comfortable in the dental chair.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Help with Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety affects many people and can range from mild nervousness to severe fear. Some patients may even avoid going to the dentist altogether because of their anxiety. But skipping dental care can lead to bigger problems down the road like tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
Oral conscious sedation helps reduce anxiety by allowing you to feel calm and at ease during your visit. The medication works by relaxing your body and mind. Sedation can make it easier to get through procedures like cleanings, fillings, and other dental treatments.
We also recommend it if you avoid the dentist because of fear. Sedation dentistry can make it possible to get the care you need without feeling overwhelmed.
Is Oral Conscious Sedation Right for You?
We recommend this type of sedation for patients who:
- Have dental anxiety or fear of the dentist
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Need a lot of dental work done in one visit
- Have difficulty sitting still for long periods
- Are nervous about discomfort or pain during treatment
At Great Basin Dental, we discuss your needs and medical history first. Dr. Guillen or Dr. Sievert will determine if oral conscious sedation is the right choice for you. We want to make sure you feel safe and comfortable during your treatment, and sedation can be an important part of making that happen.
What to Expect During Sedation Dentistry
If you choose oral conscious sedation, we will provide detailed instructions before your appointment. You’ll take the medication about an hour before your visit, and by the time you arrive, you should be feeling more relaxed. You need someone to drive you to and from the office, as the effects of the medication can last for a few hours.
During your treatment, you’ll remain awake but very relaxed. Our team will monitor you closely to make sure everything goes smoothly. After your procedure, you may feel a bit groggy or sleepy, so plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Most patients find that the experience of sedation dentistry makes future visits much less stressful, and they feel more confident about receiving dental care.
Get the Care You Need with Sedation Dentistry at Great Basin Dental
At Great Basin Dental, we’re here to make your dental experience as comfortable as possible. If you’ve been putting off dental treatment due to anxiety or fear, oral conscious sedation may be the solution for you. Our team is here to help you relax and get the care you need for a healthy and beautiful smile.
Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment. You can also call 775-363-9644. Let us help you overcome dental anxiety so you can feel confident about your oral health!