Tell us about your anxiety and health
We review previous dental experiences, medications, medical conditions and the treatment being considered.
Support for dental anxiety
Oral Sedation Dentistry
For selected patients who are anxious about dental treatment, oral sedation may be considered after a health-history and medication review.
How we approach it
Start with the diagnosis, then choose the treatment.
Coalhurst Dental offers oral sedation for appropriate patients using prescription medications such as lorazepam (Ativan) or triazolam (Halcion). The medication choice, instructions and suitability are determined by the dentist for the individual patient and planned treatment.
Care may include
- Pre-sedation health-history and medication review
- Oral sedation for suitable adult patients and procedures
- Prescription sedation medication selected by the dentist when appropriate
- Clear fasting, medication and escort instructions when required
- Monitoring and recovery instructions appropriate to the sedation plan
- Alternative anxiety-management or referral options when oral sedation is not suitable
What to expect
A simple, step-by-step process.
Receive an individual sedation plan
If oral sedation is appropriate, the dentist provides medication and appointment instructions specific to your situation.
Plan transportation and recovery
Sedated patients need to follow the clinic instructions about escorts, driving, work and activity after the appointment.
Questions about oral sedation
Common questions.
These answers are general. Your dentist can give you advice that is specific to your situation after an assessment.
What oral sedation medications do you use?
Coalhurst Dental may use prescription oral sedatives such as lorazepam (Ativan) or triazolam (Halcion) when clinically appropriate. The dentist determines the medication and instructions after reviewing your health history and treatment plan.
Will I be completely asleep?
Oral sedation is not the same as general anesthesia. Patients are typically very relaxed and drowsy, but the level of sedation varies and you may have limited memory of the appointment.
Can I drive myself home after oral sedation?
No. Follow the clinic escort and transportation instructions. Sedating medications can impair judgment, coordination and reaction time after the appointment.
Appointments
Have a question about Oral Sedation?
Call the clinic or request an appointment. We can help determine whether an assessment is the right next step.
