Oral-Conscious Sedation in Albany, NY

Overview

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, 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.

Best Candidates

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.

What To Expect

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.

Yesterday I visited the office for the final procedure of my implant, "journey."  I arrived early, took a seat in the waiting area and my name was called almost immediately.  I was escorted to the procedure room by a bright, cheerful nurse, who explained what would be happening this visit.  I mentioned that I am an anxious person and I was calmed by their understanding of my anxiety,  Their confidence assured me that this procedure would get done, that day.  As a person who has struggled with anxiety and suffered from crippling panic attacks for decades, it was significant to feel that confidence from them.  I had a very real concern that I would have a panic attack which would prevent the completion of the procedure that visit.  As I reclined in the procedure room a second nurse, just as warm and upbeat as the first, entered the room, as well as the Doctor, and the procedure commenced. I can only estimate, heaven knows I'm no oral surgeon, that roughly 90% through the procedure, I felt my anxiety take hold and take over my body.  Panic attacks are pretty paralyzing by nature and mine happen to be extremely physical.  First I feel light headed, then all color leaves my face, then I break out in a full body sweat, followed by visible chills. The instant the color left my face, the doctor and nurses took action.  The procedure was stopped.  I was feeling helpless, scared, embarrassed, and guilty that I was taking time from these individuals and waiting patients.  Then the swift, expert caregiving began. An ice pack was applied to the back of my neck, then another was applied to my forehead. (it's worth mentioning, an ice pack without a hand to hold it rarely stays. So I was single handedly monopolizing one nurse, who was kind enough to hold the ice pack against my head) I was given constant compassionate reassurance by the nurses and doctor that everything was alright. I was gently instructed to breathe slowly through my nose.  My condition was not improving significantly, so a nurse handed me a cup of apple juice and encouraged me to sip.  Slowly I sat up and not long after I felt my physically symptomatic panic take over, again.  I gave only the slightest indication I was going down-hill and one of the two nurses reclined the chair I was in again.  An I.V. was quickly and skillfully placed and fluids were administered.  At this point I had two ice packs (one nurses' hand), oxygen and an I.V.  A precarious position to be in for an individual deep into a panic attack. Some time passed and I was soothed by the cool collected casual conversation of the two attending nurses. The doctor said that he only had one quick thing to do before my procedure was completed, and I was happy to get that quick step over and done right then. The doctor took maybe 30 seconds to complete that last step and then that was done.  Unfortunately, my anxiety was not.  There was nothing more that could be done for my body to improve my condition. I needed something that cannot be packaged or sterilized, something that brings comfort to the soul... and that something was being in the presence of two of the most warm, caring, down to earth, hilarious, professional women I've ever had the pleasure of almost losing consciousness around. Brittany and Kaylee were a dream. Their lighthearted conversation distracted my anxious brain and their attentiveness to my condition made me feel safe.  At no point did I feel rushed or that I was an inconvenience of any kind, something that, sadly, is incredibly rare in a medical practice.  These two women are incredible, compassionate caregivers. They are a joy to be around. True treasures. I cannot possibly express my gratitude for the care and reassurance that I received from Brittany and Kaylee, but I thought I'd do my best to try.

K.N. Google

Absolutely 100% ! A plus. 4.0. On every level. Dr. Diego Miron and associate professionals and complete Staff! And a big thank you for my Dentist Dr Walsh #1 for the referral!

T.W. Google

The entire experience was excellent, all staff and Dr Delgado were the most professional I've ever met. They are the best!

L.R. Google

Very friendly staff. Strongly recommended 👍👍👍

B.S. Google

I’m incredibly thankful for Dr. Miron and his team for taking me in. I was in a lot of pain due to my wisdom teeth and they removed them that week. Great communication and professionalism, and they were very kind. Hope to be back to get further work done.

C.D. Google

241

Total Reviews

4.9

Average Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-half

Recovery

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.

Insurance Coverage

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. 

Oral-Conscious Sedation

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. 

In case of an emergency, call the office.

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