14 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Suite 200 • Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Oral Sedation: Taking Fear Out of Dentistry
Among the most common phobias, visiting the dentist causes many people severe anxiety and stress. Often, fearful patients forego necessary dental care to avoid a visit to their dentist. If you find yourself feeling panicky at the thought of having your teeth worked on, you should know that a safe, comfortable relaxation method exists. Oral sedation alleviates anxiety, so you can face dental appointments with confidence.
What exactly does oral sedation entail?
If you fear dental appointments, call a dentist to determine if oral sedation is available for you based on your medical history and current medications. If you’re a good candidate for oral sedation, the dentist will select an appropriate anti-anxiety or sedative drug for you to take at a pre-determined time before your appointment. These safe, widely-prescribed drugs diminish anxiety and help patients relax.
Your anxiety level will help the dentist determine dosage, which in turn determines your consciousness level during the appointment. Some patients become so relaxed they drift off into a restful sleep during their dental procedures. Throughout your appointment, we will closely monitor your vital signs to ensure your safety. When you choose oral sedation, you must have a responsible adult who can drive you to and from your appointment and spend some time with you after the appointment until the sedative wears off completely.
Why choose oral sedation?
In general, patients choose oral sedation if they:
- experience severe anxiety and fear when faced with dental instruments
- put off important dental treatment because of fear
- have a sensitive gag reflex
- have trouble feeling numb after receiving local anesthetic
- cannot rest comfortably in a dentist’s exam chair due to neck or back problems
What risks and side effects are associated with oral sedation?
The anti-anxiety medications used to achieve oral sedation have been prescribed and studied for years, so potential side effects are widely documented. These drugs are generally safe for most patients and have a low incidence of side effects, which tend to be minor.
Typically, patients who receive oral sedation experience:
- Retrograde amnesia, in which they recall little to nothing about the dental procedure
- Decreased post-operative soreness
- Dry mouth
A very small percentage of patients may temporarily have hiccups after using oral sedation drugs.
"Dr. Stephen Gershberg is a skilled and caring dentist adept at all phases of modern practice. I am especially impressed with his kind and thoughtful approach to his patient's needs. Dr Gershberg provides personalized care and his attention to detail and esthetics is superb. His staff is always pleasant, and the office atmosphere is warm and relaxed. I highly recommend Dr. Gershberg's practice."
Robert Summers, DMD
Periodontics and Implantology, Narberth, PA
"Congratulations on your new web site. I'm sure that the people who view it will see, as I
have throughout the many years of working with you, the high artistic quality of your work. They will understand what a fine clinician you are, and realize how much time and effort you devote to giving your patients such high quality dental care. You are a real asset to the dental profession, and one of the gold standards of quality dental care in the 21st century."
Harvey Wank DMD
Chairman, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry
Bryn Mawr Hospital
Assistant Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Medical School
"Having worked with you for many years, I would like to compliment you on the remarkable clinical and esthetic results you are able to achieve with your patients. When it comes to perfection, there is certainly no compromise. Words do not express the satisfaction of your patients with regards the crowns, bridges, porcelain veneers and implant restorations you have placed. The exquisite artistry displayed behind each individual smile is a direct tribute to the excellent work you perform. Keep up the good work."
Geoffrey Rabie DMD, BDS
Diplomat American Board of Endodontics
"I have been very fortunate to work with Dr. Gershberg for some fifteen years now. His persistent pursuit of perfection and beautiful aesthetic work speaks for itself. P.S. I was talking with my sister Val the other day about the work you did for her boyfriend Dave, and she just could not say enough about how pleased they were with his teeth as well as how easy it was to work with you as a professional in getting exactly what he wanted.
Hope all is well! "
Tom Seibert, DMD
Periodontics and Implantology, Bryn Mawr. PA
"It has been a great pleasure to work with you over the last five years. I am always greatly impressed with the high quality of your work and with your unwavering commitment to your patients. My expectations for the level of care for my patients are always exceeded by your high standard of excellence. I look forward to collaborating with you long into the future!"
John Whytosek, DMD
Periodontics and Implantology
Broomall, PA
Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontics
Interested in hearing about what our patients and doctors have to say? Check out our testimonials page OR click here to read more and schedule an appointment with us today OR call and speak with us directly at 610-527-6700
