Oral Sedation

When you go to the dentist, do you have a lot of anxiety? Sedation Dentistry may be right for you. Dr. Banga is Board Certified in the administration of (oral conscious) sedation, sometimes known as “Sleep Dentistry.”

Dentistry with Sedation

Patients benefit from the following:

• When you are in a more relaxed state, the treatment will be completed.

• You will find it easier to sit through a lengthy operation.

• Several treatments and full mouth restorations can be completed in one visit.

• After treatment, there is less soreness.

Anti-Anxiety Medications

The “benzodiazepine” family contains the most often used dental anxiety medications. Valium, Halcion, Xanax, or Ativan are examples of such drugs. These medications reduce anxiety by binding to and reducing activity in the brain’s “fear” receptors.

Benzodiazepines are divided into two categories:

• Sedative-hypnotics: These medications cause relaxation, drowsiness, and even sleep. This sleep state is a type of hypnosis, which is a physiological sleep state.

• Anti-Anxiety Drugs: These are medications that reduce anxiety and promote calm and relaxation.

While benzodiazepines are both sedatives and anti-anxiety medications, some are specifically targeted at sleep-related parts of the brain. Others act in a more targeted manner, focusing on the brain’s fear areas. Higher doses act as sedatives and induce sleep in most cases, whereas smaller levels alleviate anxiety without sedation.

Benzodiazepines are also depressants of the Central Nervous System (CNS) (i.e. there can be a decline in blood pressure and breathing). It’s crucial to remember that they shouldn’t be combined with other CNS depressants like alcohol. It’s critical that you follow your dentist’s or doctor’s recommendations for dosage. Overdosing is conceivable, and overdosing can cause dangerously low levels of respiration, resulting in unconsciousness or death.

Please note that you should not travel alone after taking any of these medications. Even if you’re taking the bus or walking, make sure you have an escort! It’s easy to lose track of time.

When benzodiazepines should not be used:

Some of these medications have the potential to harm your liver and heart. It’s crucial to double-check with your doctor and/or pharmacist. If any of the following apply to you, be sure to tell your doctor or dentist: known drug allergy, pregnancy, severe respiratory disease (COPD), congestive heart failure (CHF), compromised kidney or liver function, depression/bipolar disorder/psychoses, chronic bronchitis, and various other diseases It’s also crucial to inform us if you’re taking any other medications. Drug interactions are a possibility.