What is conscious sedation?
Conscious sedation is an anesthetic technique used to induce a state of relaxation, amnesia, and pain control during a diagnostic or surgical procedure using intravenous sedatives.
Perception of touch, tingling sensation in the head, feeling of empty head, and “lightening” are all normal reactions to sedation: there may also be a feeling of drowsiness, but not complete loss of consciousness as sedation is not general anesthesia.
Conscious sedation is a controlled, safe, and effective practice that allows the patient to overcome the stress of the teeth and allows the dentist to work calmly on a cooperative and perfect patient.
Conscious sedation does not involve the loss of protective reflexes, which is the ability to independently maintain the airway system and respond appropriately to physical stimuli and verbal commands.