Sedation Dentistry at Westlake Dental Care

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If you feel anxious or fearful about visiting the dentist, you’re not alone. At Westlake Dental Care, we offer Sedation Dentistry to help patients feel calm, comfortable, and relaxed during their treatment.

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Benefits of Sedation Dentistry:

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• Feel more at ease during your visit

• Easier to tolerate longer or more complex procedures

• Multiple treatments can often be completed in one visit

• Reduced post-treatment discomfort

 

Whether you need routine care or more extensive dental work, sedation can make your experience much more comfortable.

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Oral Sedation with Anti-Anxiety Medication

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One common option we offer is oral sedation using medications from the benzodiazepine family, including Valium, Halcion, Xanax, or Ativan. These medications reduce anxiety by calming activity in the brain’s fear centers, making dental visits easier for those with moderate to severe anxiety.

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There are two primary types of benzodiazepines:

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• Sedative-Hypnotics: These promote deep relaxation, drowsiness, or even light sleep

• Anti-Anxiety Medications: These reduce nervousness and induce a calm, relaxed state

 

Depending on the dose and the specific medication, the effects may range from light relaxation to sleep-like sedation.

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Important Safety Information

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Benzodiazepines are central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which means they can lower blood pressure and slow breathing. For your safety:

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• Never mix these medications with alcohol or other CNS depressants

• Only take the dose prescribed by your dentist or doctor

• Overdosing can be dangerous and may lead to serious health complications

 

Travel Warning: You must have a responsible adult escort to and from your appointment. These medications can cause drowsiness and disorientation, making it unsafe to drive or travel alone — even on foot or public transportation.

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Who Should Avoid Oral Sedation?

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Please let us know if you have any of the following conditions or concerns before considering sedation:

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• Known allergy to benzodiazepines

• Narrow-angle glaucoma

• Pregnancy

• Respiratory issues (such as COPD or chronic bronchitis)

• Congestive heart failure (CHF)

• Liver or kidney impairment

• History of depression, bipolar disorder, or other psychiatric conditions

 

Also inform us of any other medications you are taking, as drug interactions are possible.