Oral Sedation
Do you experience high levels of anxiety when visiting the dentist? You may be a candidate for Sedation Dentistry. Dr. Frideres is Board Certified to administer (oral conscious) sedation, commonly referred to as “Sleep Dentistry.”
Sedation Dentistry
Advantages to patients include:
- Treatment can be completed in a more relaxed state.
- You may feel more comfortable sitting through a lengthy procedure.
- Multiple treatments can occur during the same visit.
Anti-Anxiety Pills
The most commonly prescribed medications that treat anxiety related to dentistry belong to the “benzodiazepine” family. These medications decrease anxiety by binding and toning down activity within “fear” receptors in the brain.
It is important to note that these types of medications should not be mixed with some other medications. Its important that you utilize the dose your dentist or doctor recommends. Just ask Dr. Frideres if you have any questions about these options.
Please note that you shouldn’t travel on your own after you’ve taken any of these drugs. Make sure you have an escort, even if you traveled by bus or foot!
When not to take benzodiazepines:
Some of these drugs can affect your liver and heart. It’s important to check with your practitioner and/or pharmacist. You should be sure to inform your doctor or dentist if any of the following apply: known allergy to the drug, narrow-angle glaucoma, pregnancy, severe respiratory disease (COPD), congestive heart failure (CHF), impaired kidney or liver function, depression/bipolar disorder/psychoses, chronic bronchitis and some other conditions. It’s also important to let us know if you are taking other medications. There could be possible drug interactions.