Oral-Conscious Sedation in Albany, NY

Dental technology has advanced tremendously in the last few years to provide care that is more minimally invasive than ever. However, anxiety and fear of undergoing a dental procedure still hinder many patients from setting up appointments for the treatments they need to improve their oral health. For this reason, qualified oral surgeons Drs. Stephen DeMarco, Diego Miron, Timothy Adams, and Luis Delgado offer oral-conscious sedation to help you feel more comfortable and at ease during your surgical treatment. Anti-anxiety medications can be prescribed to be taken by mouth about an hour before your appointment so you can be fully relaxed but still capable of following instructions. To learn if oral-conscious sedation might be what you need to get your treatment without fear, get in touch with Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons in Albany, NY and ask about booking a consultation.

In general, oral-conscious sedation can help children and adults alike who experience moderate fears and anxieties over having dental treatments performed. Oral-conscious sedation can be used safely for a range of procedures, from minor treatments to complex care. Prior to prescribing medication for oral-conscious sedation, our surgical team will conduct a full consultation to decide if you are a good candidate for this option. We will review your current medications and medical history to ensure you can safely take anti-anxiety medication and also to see which medication will best serve your needs. Oral-conscious sedation might not be ideal if you have respiratory or heart issues, are pregnant, or have experienced a reaction to benzodiazepines in the past.

There are several types of sedation medications that might be used to provide oral-conscious sedation. The medication recommended by our surgical experts will be based on your level of fear, your physical health, the type of procedure taking place, as well as the estimated length of your appointment. Your oral-conscious sedation medication will be prescribed during your consultation so you can have it filled prior to the day of your procedure. Because you will be taking the medication before you arrive, you should plan for a reliable adult to escort you to and from our practice. If you have chosen light oral-conscious sedation, you will stay relaxed but still be conscious and aware. Medication that delivers heavier sedative effects will allow you to still remain conscious, but you may recall very little about your procedure. Even if you doze off during your visit with oral-conscious sedation, you should still be easy to awaken and able to respond to our directions.

Recovery following sedation can vary, depending on the kind of medication administered during the procedure. Regardless, you will need someone to take you home and stay with you for at least 2 – 4 hours. We do not recommend driving a vehicle until the medication has fully left your system, which will typically be the next day. When you visit Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons for your initial treatment consultation, our surgical team will speak with you about the possible side effects of the specific medication prescribed for you. Some patients experience dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and headaches after oral-conscious sedation. The risk of vomiting and/or nausea can be minimized by having a light meal before your appointment and eating a snack approximately one hour after your procedure. Please contact our office if you experience lingering side effects or if you have questions after the dental procedure.

If you have insurance, our staff will speak with your provider to check your specific plan and learn if oral-conscious sedation is a covered benefit. From there, we can better calculate any remaining out-of-pocket costs. Our Albany, NY surgical centers make covering the cost of your care as affordable as possible and offer an array of convenient payment methods. Flexible medical financing may also be available. 

Stop avoiding the dental care you need because of fear or anxiety, and enjoy positive treatment experiences with oral-conscious sedation. Ideal for children and adults, this sedation option can help you remain at ease during minor or more complex surgical procedures. Schedule a visit to Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons in Albany, NY, and let one of our board-certified oral surgeons help you find the best fit for your sedation needs.