Is dental sedation the same as a pain reliever?
No. Sedatives may be incorporated into your treatment to induce a state of deep relaxation and ease apprehension, resulting in a more comfortable and safer treatment experience. Pain relievers or analgesics are designed to support a process that actually blocks the sensation of pain. Our providers are experts at precisely, gently, and safely applying both pain-relieving anesthetics and sedation to ease discomfort and induce a state of calm and well-being.
Are there other medications that may be prescribed before treatment?
Yes. Depending on your needs, “pre-medication” may involve a course of antibiotic therapy. As always, it is essential to take the antibiotics exactly as directed and to complete your course of treatment completely. Antibiotic therapy may be necessary for individuals with severe oral infections, such as a localized abscess with systemic symptoms. In this case, it may be incorporated into root canal treatment.
Immunocompromised patients, or those with conditions that can increase their risk of systemic infections, may also be asked to pre-medicate with antibiotics prior to dental treatments. We review your medical history and can assess specific medications that may be needed to support your oral and systemic health at every step in the process.
