Do you fear going to the dentist?

You're not alone. Between 5 percent and 8 percent of Americans avoid dentists due to fear, and approximately 20 percent struggle with such anxiety they go only when absolutely necessary. (WebMD)

Dr. Orcutt understands this challenge and is committed to bringing you comfortable, pain-free dentistry. Conscious oral sedation, or sedation dentistry, is one of the ways he makes it easy for you to take care of your teeth. With sedation dentistry, you are still awake but are relaxed and perhaps less aware of the work being performed. Some patients doze off in the dentist’s chair and many don't remember the experience after sedation wears off.

Dr. Orcutt is fully certified to administer oral sedation. Oral sedation requires training and certification, and Dr. Orcutt was one of the first dentists in the Sacramento area to become qualified in this field. He has treated numerous patients. In addition, he is a member of the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS) and regularly follows new advances in sedation dentistry.

How does conscious oral sedation work?

With conscious oral sedation, you take a pill approximately one hour before your procedure begins. You will usually receive local anesthesia to numb the site as well unless you're undergoing a procedure that doesn't normally require it. By the time Dr. Orcutt starts working, you will feel calm and relaxed. Whether you choose oral sedation for basic procedures such as having your teeth cleaned or only for advanced treatment, we are committed to making your dental experience comfortable and pain-free.

What are the advantages of conscious sedation:

• Sedation allows multiple dental procedures, or a long procedure, to be performed during one appointment while the patient remains comfortable;

• It avoids needles for people who are shot-phobic;

• It has a low incidence of adverse reactions.

Who can benefit from conscious oral sedation?

Good candidates for this procedure are adults who have or have had:

• a fear of visiting the dentist;

• a traumatic dental experience;

• resistance to localized numbing;

• gag-reflex problems that require lengthy appointments.

Others who may prefer sedation include patients who:

• hate needles and shots (sedation isn’t intravenous);

• hate the noises, smells and tastes associated with dental visits;

• are embarrassed about their teeth and want to reverse years of neglect in one long visit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is conscious oral sedation safe?

Conscious oral sedation has been safely used for more than 30 years in millions of dental procedures. To ensure your experience is a good one, Dr. Orcutt will take your comprehensive medical history before starting treatment in order to determine the sedation medication best suited for you.

Will I be unconscious?

No. You are not under a general anesthetic. You are aware of your surroundings but you don't care much about them. You are usually very sleepy but are able to respond.

Will I be totally relaxed?

You will receive enough sedation so that you will be deeply relaxed but still aware of your surroundings, almost as if you were sleeping lightly. You will not be unconscious.

Will I feel pain?

No. Oral conscious sedation was designed for the express purpose of delivering dental treatment without pain.

Will I remember the procedure?

About half of patients have little or no recollection of their dental procedures after sedation.

How long will it take for me to recover from the sedation?

Most of our patients need very little time to become fully awake after sedation. However, for your safety, we ask that you not drive. You will need to have a friend or family member escort you home.

If you’ve always wanted a prettier smile, the comfort of oral sedation may help make it possible!

If you would like more information on sedation dentistry, please visit the website sedationcare.com.