When you go to the dentist, do you have a lot of anxiety? Sedation Dentistry may be right for you. Drs. Mariscal, Boege, Munoz, and Flores-Hutton are all Board Certified to provide (oral conscious) sedation, also known as "Sleep Dentistry."

Sedation Dentistry

Benefits enjoyed by patients include:

  • Completion of the treatment while you are in a relaxed state.
  • You will find it easier to sit through a lengthy operation.
  • Several treatments and full mouth restorations can be completed in one visit.
  • After treatment, there is less soreness.

Anti-Anxiety Pills

The "benzodiazepine" family includes the most often used dental anxiety medications. Valium, Halcion, Xanax, and Ativan are examples of such drugs. These medications reduce anxiety by binding to and reducing activity in the brain's "fear" receptors.

The Two Different Types Of Benzodiazepines:

  • Sedative-Hypnotics: Drowsiness and even sleep are common side effects of these medications. This sleep state is a type of hypnosis, which is a physiological sleep state.
  • Anti-Anxiety Drugs: These are medications that reduce anxiety and promote a sense of peace and relaxation.
dental-implants_image

While benzodiazepines are both sedatives and anti-anxiety medications, some are specifically targeted at sleep-related parts of the brain. Others act in a more targeted manner, focusing on the brain's fear areas. Higher doses act as sedatives and induce sleep in most cases, whereas smaller levels alleviate anxiety without sedation.

Benzodiazepines are also depressants of the Central Nervous System (CNS) (i.e. there can be a decline in blood pressure and breathing). It's crucial to remember that they shouldn't be combined with other CNS depressants like alcohol. It's critical that you follow your dentist's or doctor's recommendations for dosage. Overdosing is conceivable, and overdosing can cause dangerously low levels of respiration, resulting in unconsciousness or death.

Please note that you should not travel alone after taking any of these medications. Even if you're taking the bus or walking, make sure you have an escort! It's easy to lose track of time.

When not to take benzodiazepines:

Some of these medications have the potential to harm your liver and heart. It's crucial to double-check with your doctor and/or pharmacist. If any of the following apply to you, be sure to tell your doctor or dentist: known drug allergy, pregnancy, severe respiratory disease (COPD), congestive heart failure (CHF), compromised kidney or liver function, depression/bipolar disorder/psychoses, chronic bronchitis, and various other diseases It's also crucial to inform us if you're taking any other medications. Drug interactions are a possibility.

People From Everywhere
Love Us!

Get In Touch With Us For A Consultation Today.

Benefit From Masterful Clinicians, And Top-Quality Procedures.

Schedule a restorative dentistry visit with our caring dental team in Chicago, IL.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.