Oral Triazolam for major dental surgery? Will it work? Will I feel and experience everything that is happening?

Conscious is a combination of medicines to help you relax (a sedative) and to block pain (an anesthetic) during a medical or dental procedure. You will remain in a “twilight” state, and can respond to commands, but remember little of the procedure. Conscious sedation lets you feel no pain, recover quickly, and return to your everyday activities soon after your procedure.

Which sedation approach is best for implant surgery depends on a variety of factors. Not all patients qualify for IV sedation. There are several medications that can be used for light (oral-conscious) sedation and they work quite effectively to induce a twilight sleep state. Many dentists use Triazolam (Halcion®), which is in the Diazepam (Valium®) family while others use Zaleplon or Lorazepam. These medications are fast- but short-acting with few side effects, and long records of successful use. Many implant surgeries are also done only with local anesthesia such as Novocain or Lidocaine. If you're the type of patient who wants to be aware during the procedure, wants the benefit of being able to drive yourself home afterwards, and does not mind sounds, this may be a viable option for you.

Hello and thank you for your question. I totally hear your concern. Triazolam is a good medication, but everyone is different.In my office we offer options to the patient. In case they feel more comfortable to have their dentistry done while they are asleep, IV or general sedation is available for patients' comfort and their piece of mind.Good luck to you.

Oral Triazolam could very well put you in a deeply relaxed state. Because this drug works on a specific type of receptor in the body, some patients may be resistant to it. Furthermore, it may be difficult to control the effects as would be possible with IV sedation. Another option is to use a multi-drug regimen with IV sedation. Of course, the provider would have to have a special state license in order to perform this. My recommendation for All-on-4 cases is IV conscious sedation.

It is all about patient comfort.  Our office offers both oral conscious sedation and IV conscious sedation and the patient selects what they feel most comfortable.  There are benefits and disadvantages to both procedures.  With IV conscious sedation, we are able to able to keep the patient at a comfortable level throughout long treatments.  Oral conscious sedation is great for shorter procedures but can be used with longer treatments.  With experience, they both work well.  If you have a lot anxiety before you start, its best that you discuss your concerns with the doctor before you start.  That alone might help alleviate unnecessary stress.