Conscious Sedation:

What Is It?

Conscious sedation is an altered state of consciousness, where you become disassociated with your surroundings.  Memory, anxiety levels, and perceptions of pain are greatly reduced.  You become very relaxed and comfortable.  For example, most people having conscious sedation "think" they have been asleep because they cannot remember anything that went on from the time of sedation to when they left the office.

How is it Different From "Being Asleep"?

Being asleep" for dental treatment is called general anesthesia. It differs from conscious sedation in many ways.  First of all you are unconscious and your reflexes are diminshed considerably, to the point where you must have machines to breathe for you through a tube placed down your windpipe.  Secondly, the drugs used are very potent and may have undersirable side effects during and after the procedure.  Complications tend to increase the longer you are asleep, and you may wind up very nauseous afterwards.  This adds up to more risk and considerably more personnel to monitor you during and after the procedure.  For this reason, it is usually done in a hospital setting where proper support is available.

Who Is It For?

ny reasonably healthy person can have conscious sedation with ANY dental procedure, whether it is to have your teeth cleaned or surgery.

How Will I Feel?

Essentially you are awake, but you will remember very little and feel no discomfort.  What you do recall will not be unpleasant.  For example, most people do not recall or feel any part of the procedure, including numbing the teeth.  When your appointment is over, the effects of the sedatives may last for several hours and you may be groggy most of the day of your appointment, however, the sedatives will not make you sick to your stomach.

How Is It Done?

Most of the time the sedatives are administered intravenously.  This way your dentist can be sure you receive the right amount of sedation.  Often, oral-pre-medication is given to help you relax before your appointment.  Because you may feel groggy, it's important to have someone available to take you home from the office on the day of your appointment.

Is It Safe?

Yes, but it is very important that you let us know about any and all medications you are taking.  The doctors administering conscious sedation are specifically licensed to do so by the State of Washington.  They have extensive education in dental anesthesia techniques and are active members of the American Society of Dental Anesthesiology. 

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