Oral Sedation in Cortez, CO

For patients who experience moderate to severe dental anxiety, oral sedation is a highly effective option that can help you feel calm and relaxed during your dental treatment. At Alpine Dental Care, we offer oral sedation to ensure that even complex or lengthy procedures are completed comfortably. Whether you’ve delayed dental care due to fear or need to undergo extensive treatment, Dr. Pyle and our team in Cortez, Colorado, provide compassionate care with oral sedation to help ease your concerns.

What is Oral Sedation?

Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed sedative pill before your dental appointment to help you relax. The medication induces a state of deep relaxation, allowing you to feel drowsy and calm while remaining conscious during the procedure. Oral sedation is ideal for patients with higher levels of anxiety, those undergoing longer or more involved treatments, or those who have difficulty sitting still during dental visits.

While you’ll remain awake during the procedure, you may feel very sleepy, and many patients have little to no memory of the treatment afterward. Because oral sedation can leave you feeling groggy after your appointment, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from the office.

Benefits of Oral Sedation

• Effective for Moderate to Severe Anxiety: Oral sedation is an excellent option for patients who feel nervous or fearful about dental treatments, providing a deeper level of relaxation than nitrous oxide.
• Longer Lasting Sedation: Oral sedation lasts longer than nitrous oxide, making it a good choice for more complex or time-consuming procedures.
• Minimal Memory of Treatment: While you’ll remain awake and able to respond to the dentist, many patients have little recollection of the procedure afterward, reducing anxiety for future visits.
• Pain-Free Experience: Oral sedation helps ensure a pain-free experience, making it easier for patients with sensitive teeth, gums, or a strong gag reflex to receive the care they need.

How Oral Sedation Works

1. Consultation: Before your appointment, Dr. Pyle will evaluate your health and determine if oral sedation is right for you. If so, you’ll be prescribed a sedative pill to take before your procedure.
2. Pre-Procedure: You’ll take the oral sedative as directed, usually about an hour before your appointment. The sedative will help you feel calm, drowsy, and relaxed by the time you arrive.
3. During Treatment: Once the sedation has taken effect, we will perform your dental treatment while you remain in a deeply relaxed state. You may feel very sleepy but will still be able to communicate with the dental team if needed.
4. Post-Procedure: After the procedure, you may continue to feel groggy for a few hours. Because the effects of oral sedation take longer to wear off, you’ll need someone to drive you home after your appointment.