Oral Sedation Highlands Ranch Dentists, Denver dentist

Dental oral sedation is considered by many to be the second stage of dental anxiety relief used in dentistry.  Nitrous oxide/oxygen (laughing gas) is considered the first line anti-anxiety medication and is discussed in detail in the next section.

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Dentist Highlands Ranch

Dental oral sedation is a minimal level anti-anxiety procedure in which the patient takes a small pill 30 minutes to one hour prior to the dental procedure.  These medications are dispensed by prescription by Dr. James DeLapp or Candace DeLapp, Highlands Ranch and Denver Dentists, and you take tablets as directed by the doctors before your appointment. 

Advantages of Oral Sedation

• Easy to administer
• Low cost compared to I.V. sedation or general anesthesia (hospital)
• Lower incidence of adverse reactions
• A general decrease in the "severity" of adverse reactions when they rarely occur
• No needles, or specialized equipment
• For a majority of patients a simple and effective way to help them complete their dental treatment

Disadvantages of Oral Sedation

• Oral sedation relies on you taking the medication when you are supposed to!
• You cannot "drive yourself" to or from the appointment. You must have a driver!
• You may have prolonged, delayed or erratic absorption of the drug from the "stomach" to the blood stream
• The Dr's DeLapp cannot "titrate" the medication effectively.  Titration means giving you small incremental doses to gain the effect desired. The oral route has different absorption rates depending on last meal eaten.

What family of drugs are most prescribed for dental anxiety and

sedation?

The family of drugs most utilized by Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. Candace DeLapp come from a family of drugs called "benzodiazepines".  The most common drug that most patients are familiar with includes Valium.  The reaction of this family of drugs has three effects including:

• Sedative effects
• Anti-anxiety effects and ...
• Some degree of muscle relaxation.

These different generations of medication have slightly different effects, onset of action, and ½ lives (how long they last).  Choosing the medicine that would be appropriate for your care will be made by Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. Candace DeLapp Highlands Ranch Dentists. The most common of the drugs prescribed in this family of drugs by the doctors include:

Valium (diazepam) is supplied in 5mg tablets and typically one to two tablets are taken one (1) hour prior to your appointment.  A third (3^rd) tablet is frequently prescribed and "may" be brought with you to your appointment.

Halcion (Triazolam) is supplied as 0.125 tablets.  One (1) or two (2) tabs are prescribed one hour prior to your appointment.  A second or third tab is brought to the appointment and "may" be used to supplement your sedation.

Other benzodiazepines

Cautions, Precautions, and Warnings: Combining these medications with the following medications may have serious and even fatal outcomes so great care is needed.  Do NOT take the following with your pre-medication.

• Alcohol
• Barbiturates
• Narcotics 
• Central nervous system depressants (see your pharmacist)
• Do NOT drive your car or... operate dangerous machinery while on this medication. 
• You MUST arrange to be driven to ... and picked up... from your appointment by a companion.

Notes to Remember: If you are on any medications, you should notify Highlands Ranch Dentists Dr. James DeLapp or Dr. Candace DeLapp "and" your pharmacist for any potential adverse reactions.

Highlands Ranch Dentists, Dr. H. Candace DeLapp and Dr. James DeLapp provide sedation dentistry to their dental patients living and working in Douglas County, Ken Caryl, Arapahoe County, Lone Tree, Castle Pine, Parker, and the Greater Denver Area.  They can be reached at (303) 694-9740