Oral Sedation

Oral Sedation (Anxiolysis)

This is a more moderate form of sedation. The objective is to control anxiety. This approach is called anxiolysis. This form of sedation (oral sedation) involves the administration of a small pill or two prior to the procedure. This technique also involves the administration of a local anesthetic to control pain. Many patients compare this approach to having a few drinks. Patients may have reduced anxiety, impaired motor and mental functioning, reduced memory of the procedure, and some patients may actually doze in and out throughout the experience. The most common medication used is Ativan.

The advantages of oral sedation include:

• Easy to administer: the patient swallows a small pill
• Safe and easy to monitor
• Works well for most people
• Low cost

The disadvantages of oral sedation include:

• The level of sedation is not easily changed
• The patient must be driven to and from the office