Oral Sedation (Anxiolysis)

This is also a mild form of sedation. The objective is to control anxiety. This approach is called anxiolysis. This form of 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. Some patients doze while others have reduced memory of the procedure. The most common medications used are Valium or Halcion.

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
• There is little pain relief; pain relief is administered in the form of a local anesthetic (Novocain)