Oral-Conscious Sedation in Del Mar, CA

The dental industry has advanced tremendously in a short period of time. However, anxiety and fear of undergoing a dental procedure still prevents many individuals from setting up appointments for regular dental cleanings and exams. For this reason, seasoned dentist Dr. Ron Barry provides oral-conscious sedation to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during your appointments. Anti-anxiety medications can be prescribed to be taken prior to your scheduled appointment so you will be in a relaxed state of mind but capable of following directions. If you would like to learn more about oral-conscious sedation and your treatment options at Ron Barry, D.M.D. in Del Mar, CA, call our office to schedule a consult right away.

As a whole, oral-conscious sedation might help children and adults alike who have fears and anxieties about going to the dentist. Prior to being given a medication for oral-conscious sedation, Dr. Barry will conduct a full consultation to decide whether you're an ideal candidate. He will review your current medications and medical history to be sure you are safe to take sedation medication, and also to determine which product will best meet your needs. Oral sedation might not be a good fit if you currently suffer from respiratory or heart complications, are expecting, or have had an allergic reaction to benzodiazepines.

There are many types of sedation medications that might be used. The medication chosen by Dr. Barry will be influenced by you, your specific fears, your overall health, what dental work is taking place, as well as the predicted amount of time your appointment will take. Your sedation medication will be prescribed during your consultation so that you can fill it prior to your procedure. Since you will be taking the medication before you arrive, you will need to plan for a reliable adult to escort you to our practice. If you have chosen light oral-conscious sedation, you'll feel at ease but will still be awake and alert. With more significant sedation, you'll also be conscious, but your recollection will be a little fuzzy. You might drift off to sleep, but you will easily wake.

Recovery following sedation can vary, depending on the type of medication used for the procedure. Regardless, you will need a ride home and for someone to stay with you for at least 2 – 4 hours. You won't be capable of driving a car until the following day after you've had the chance to sleep off the medication. Dr. Barry will speak with you during your consultation about the potential side effects of the specific medication chosen for you. Most commonly, patients report nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness after receiving oral-conscious sedation. The threat of vomiting and/or nausea can be minimized by consuming a light meal prior to your appointment and having a snack around an hour following your procedure. Please contact our team if you experience lingering side effects or if you have questions after your dental procedure.

If you carry dental insurance, our team will speak with your insurance provider to check your coverage in regard to oral-conscious sedation options. After gathering your information, we will be better able to calculate your total costs. If you don't have dental insurance, Dr. Barry can speak with you about the payment options that we accept that include medical financing to help make your sedation and procedure fit your budget.

Stop allowing your fear to affect your dental health with oral-conscious sedation at Ron Barry, D.M.D. Schedule a consult with Dr. Barry if you would like to learn more about your options for sedation. It will keep you relaxed and at ease during dental procedures of a routine or advanced nature. He will help you discover the best fit for sedation so your appointment at our Del Mar office is an enjoyable experience.