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Oral Sedation Can Help You Feel at Ease

At Charleston Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, we strive to provide patient-centered care that promotes the most positive experience possible. We try to alleviate the anxiety many patients feel when planning their dental care by offering sedation dentistry, including oral sedation, at our Charleston, SC, practice. This medication can be taken the night before or several hours prior to your appointment to help you feel at ease during treatment. Because sedation can put nervous patients at ease, it also allows Dr. John F. Rink to work more efficiently, especially during more extensive procedures.

What is Oral Sedation?

Oral sedation includes anti-anxiety and sedative medications. These medications can be taken in pill form prior to a dental visit to help you relax during treatment. Oral sedation typically offers a deeper state of relaxation than nitrous oxide, but the exact level of consciousness you experience under oral sedation will vary depending on the dosage needed.

Planning Your Sedation

During your consultation, it is recommended that you notify Dr. Rink if you suffer from dental phobia or are feeling anxious about your treatment. He can help you determine if oral sedation is the best fit for you. Typically, the type of sedation and dosage recommendation depends on:

  • Your level of fear
  • Your tolerance for medication
  • The extensiveness of your treatment

In some cases, oral conscious sedation may be combined with nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, to create a deeper level of relaxation.

Pills coming out of a bottle

If you have minor anxiety, we will typically recommend that you take the medication about 30 minutes to an hour before your appointment. However, if you are especially anxious, we may advise that you take multiple doses, including one immediately before treatment begins. Dr. Rink has helped many patients undergo comfortable dental care and can help you safely and effectively achieve a relaxed state.

What to Expect During Treatment

Once you take the medication, your body and senses will begin to relax. Because the sedation will impair your functional abilities, you will need to have a loved one drive you to and from our office. You will not be fully unconscious during your procedure. Instead, you can typically expect to feel slightly aware of what is going on around you while also feeling at ease. You should be able to respond to Dr. Rink's commands throughout treatment.

After your appointment, you will feel groggy for several hours. Typically, you will feel normal within 24 hours. It is recommended that you rest until the effects of the medication wear off.

Dr. Rink has helped many patients undergo comfortable dental care and can help you safely and effectively achieve a relaxed state.

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Alternative Sedation Options

If you suffer from an allergy that prevents you from safely using oral sedation, we may recommend nitrous oxide instead. While it is a lighter form of sedation, it is a fast-acting way to reduce feelings of anxiety and fear for a more comfortable experience.

Enjoy More Comfortable Care

Do not neglect essential dental care due to fear. Dr. Rink can provide safe oral sedation to help you feel calm and comfortable during even the most extensive dental procedures. Contact us online or call us at (843) 806-3972 to schedule your consultation and learn more about our sedation options.

Charleston Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry

Dr. John F. Rink is committed to personalized excellence in every smile. He has been practicing for over 35 years and is a member of the:

  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • American Dental Association
  • South Carolina Dental Association
  • Pankey Institute
  • American Academy of Oral Systematic Health (AAOSH)

To learn more about our services or schedule a consultation, reach our practice online or call (843) 806-3972.

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