anxiolysis — awake, but without a care

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Anxiolysis refers to the use of a mild oral sedative (usually Valium) to achieve “light sedation,” or a heightened state of comfort and relaxation.

Benefits of Anxiolysis:

• It's effective for mild to moderate anxiety
• It's safe and easy
• You can breathe and speak on your own
• It's less expensive than IV sedation
• You can usually drive yourself home from the appointment
• In many cases, you can get ALL of your dental work done in one visit

Anxiolysis is best suited for cases of mild to moderate anxiety.  While under light sedation you remain conscious and able to breathe on your own.  Although you will not actually be unconscious, you will enjoy a heightened state of relaxation.  You can expect to recover quickly and may even be able to drive yourself home from your appointment. 

Anxiolysis will put you at ease so you experience little to no discomfort; however, your doctor will also administer a local anesthetic to ensure that you don’t experience any pain.  At this point in the procedure you’ll be so relaxed that you’ll hardly even notice.

Two appointments are generally required for a procedure utilizing anxiolysis.  During your first visit, your doctor will take a detailed health history.  If you’re comfortable, he or she will look in your mouth and take dental x-rays.  Next you’ll be given a prescription for a sedative medication to take the night before your second appointment so you can enjoy a good night’s sleep. 

On the day of your procedure, you’ll take another dose of medication to ensure that you’re in a tranquil state of mind.  Our sedation experts will monitor your comfort throughout your entire visit.

Don’t let fear keep you from having a healthy, sparking smile.  We at Dental Relaxation work with top dentists certified in Sedation Dentistry.  Our sedation experts have the skills and training to put even the most anxious patient at ease.  Contact us for a referral today…and get ready to enjoy a total relaxation experience.