Conscious Sedation

A person’s level of sedation is considered a continuum, which can be graded on a scale from no sedation to deep sedation. Conscious sedation falls on the scale at a point where the patients are comfortable and relaxed but can still respond to verbal stimulation and maintain their own airway. In other words the patient can breathe without the need for assistance from the dentist. The drugs used to reach a state of conscious sedation are commonly administered in two ways, via a pill taken orally or Intravenously. Oral Conscious Sedation Dentistry is becoming readily available in most communities while IV Sedation Dentistry is only offered in a few select dental offices around the country.