402-999-0613
Stress-Free Dental Care with Dr. Hoffman
For some patients, visiting the dentist is a stressful and frightening experience. This condition is called dental anxiety and it prevents up to 20% of people from receiving the oral health care they need.
If you’re one of these patients, Dr. Hoffman can help you relax in the dental chair with oral conscious sedation.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation involves a pill called Halcion, which you’ll ingest an hour or two before your appointment. By the time you arrive at our office, you should be feeling the effects of the medication and we’ll begin your treatment.
Though you’ll remain in a state of deep relaxation throughout your visit, you won’t actually lose consciousness or fall asleep. You’ll be awake and responsive the entire time, though you’ll have little to no memory of the procedure later.
Since oral conscious sedation involves taking medication before you arrive, you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you to our practice. You’ll also need a ride home, as the sedation effects may linger for a short time after your treatment.
What are some ways I can deal with dental anxiety?
If you suffer from dental anxiety, there are a few ways you can decrease your stress levels, including:
-
- Take slow, regular breaths— avoid holding your breath
- Bring headphones if the sound of drilling bothers you
- Avoid caffeine
- Use hand signals if you experience discomfort
- Choose a time that doesn’t require you to rush to your appointment
- Trust your dentist or ask around for recommendations
If you have dental anxiety, let us know and Dr. Hoffman will educate you about the benefits of oral sedation. We want you to feel as relaxed as possible during your procedure and oral sedation can help relieve your stress.
What are the side effects of oral sedation?
Oral sedation side effects are minimal and typically resolve within six to eight hours. Common side effects may include drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, and fogginess. While these side effects usually resolve within a few hours, you’ll want to take it easy and refrain from any activities that might harm you or another person.
For most people, the benefits of oral sedation dentistry outweigh these side effects.
Ask Dr. Hoffman About Sedation
If you have any questions about oral conscious sedation and how you can benefit, don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Hoffman. Call our practice at 402-999-0613 or fill out our convenient appointment form to schedule your consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Will I remember anything about my treatment?
Can I wait for sedation to wear off before driving myself home after treatment?
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Oral conscious sedation from professionals like Dr. Hoffman is extremely safe and routine. We’ll discuss any relevant risk factors and explain the safety precautions that help us protect your well being before you undergo oral conscious sedation.
While you’re sedated, our experienced dental team will closely monitor your condition to ensure that you’re responsive and breathing naturally.
Will I remember anything about my treatment?
While you’ll be conscious and responsive while under sedation, it’s unlikely that you’ll remember much about your dental procedure. Patients often describe the experience as “like waking up from a dream.” You’re likely to experience some grogginess after treatment and will gradually regain full awareness after your treatment.
Can I wait for sedation to wear off before driving myself home after treatment?
We require our sedation patients to organize a ride home after treatment to ensure their safety. While you may feel ready to get behind the wheel, sedation can temporarily impair your alertness and performance in ways you can’t recognize at the time.
We’ll work with you to schedule an appointment at a time that works for you and your driver. Rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft are excellent options if a friend or family member is unavailable to escort you home.