Oral sedation is administered through the mouth in the form of pills such as Valium, or a similar medication. This type of sedation can be minimal or moderate, depending on the dosage to be given. The pill is taken an hour before a dental procedure, making the patient groggy or sleepy but still conscious.
Moderate sedation can cause some patients to sleep through a dental procedure. Oral sedation works best in minimizing anxiety before and during a dental appointment.