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Apr
Oral Conscious Sedation Dentistry: FAQs for Nervous Patients
Dental fear and anxiety are incredibly common concerns that many patients face and can often prevent them from receiving the dental care they need. At Freedom Dental in Fairfield, California, Dr. Cheng Zhu offers oral conscious sedation, which allows patients to experience a relaxed and comfortable dental procedure or treatment. If you feel nervous about visiting the dentist, these frequently asked questions can help you understand how sedation dentistry can make your experience stress-free.
How does oral conscious sedation help with dental anxiety?
Oral conscious sedation begins before your appointment. You will take a sedative pill that is prescribed to you and will put you in a calm, relaxed state. While you remain awake and able to respond to instructions, you’ll experience deep relaxation and reduced awareness of the procedure. This is an excellent option for patients who fear the dentist, have a strong gag reflex, or struggle with sitting through long treatments.
Will I be completely asleep during my procedure?
No, oral conscious sedation does not put you to sleep like general anesthesia. Instead, it induces deep relaxation where you feel drowsy but remain conscious. Many patients feel so relaxed that they have little to no memory of the procedure once it is over, making it an excellent option for overcoming dental anxiety.
Is oral conscious sedation safe?
Yes, oral conscious sedation is a safe and widely used method for reducing dental anxiety. Dr. Cheng Zhu will carefully review your medical history, current medications, and overall health to ensure appropriate sedation. We will monitor your vital signs during your procedure to ensure your safety and comfort.
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How long does the sedative effect last?
The effects of oral sedation can last for several hours after your appointment. While the medication typically starts working within thirty to sixty minutes, you may feel groggy for the rest of the day. For your safety, you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home and avoid operating heavy machinery or making important decisions until the sedation fully wears off.
Who is a good candidate for oral conscious sedation?
This type of sedation is ideal for patients who experience moderate to severe dental anxiety, have a low pain threshold, require multiple procedures in one visit, or have difficulty sitting still for long periods. If you’ve been avoiding dental care due to fear or discomfort, talk to Dr. Zhu about whether sedation dentistry is right for you.
Schedule a Stress-Free Dental Visit with Freedom Dental
If dental anxiety keeps you from getting the care you need, oral conscious sedation may be the perfect solution. Dr. Cheng Zhu and the compassionate team at Freedom Dental in Fairfield, CA, are here to ensure your experience is comfortable and stress-free. Call (707) 416-0626 to schedule your appointment today.
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Dr. Cheng Zhu - Freedom Dental
Cheng Zhu, DMD, leads Fairfield Dental and offers safe and effective services that support optimal comfort, healing, and an exceptional patient experience.Whether you need a crown, emergency care, implants, an impacted wisdom tooth extraction, or full-mouth rehabilitation, Dr. Zhu can help. A former pharmacist who can support your oral and overall health, he is one of the few dentists licensed in California to provide intravenous sedation to ease dental anxiety.
Dr. Zhu is trained and equipped to provide many advanced surgical options, eliminating the need to refer patients to other experts. Fairfield, California, patients trust the caring, compassionate, and affordable family dental care the team offers.