Oral Conscious Sedation in Kennewick, Yakima & Walla Walla
If you feel nervous about your dental procedure but don’t want IV sedation, oral conscious sedation may be the perfect middle ground. At EW Implants & Periodontics Center, we offer safe, effective oral sedation for patients who want to stay awake—but feel completely at ease—during their treatment.
This service is available in Kennewick, Yakima, and Walla Walla, administered by board-certified periodontist Dr. Abdullah Alkanan, who is trained in sedation protocols and surgical care.
What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral sedation involves taking a prescription medication—typically a benzodiazepine like Halcion or Valium—before your appointment. The medication helps you stay calm, relaxed, and unconcerned throughout the procedure. You’ll be awake and able to respond, but may feel drowsy and often remember very little afterward.
This form of sedation is ideal for patients who:
- Experience moderate dental anxiety
- Want to avoid IV sedation
- Need a shorter procedure such as a tooth extraction or deep cleaning
- Have had stressful dental visits in the past
- Need help staying still or relaxed during care
How Oral Sedation Works
You’ll be given a sedative pill to take approximately one hour before your appointment. By the time you arrive, you’ll feel relaxed and drowsy—but still able to communicate and respond to the team.
Here’s what to expect:
- You must arrange for a driver, as you’ll be unable to drive after sedation
- You’ll be monitored throughout the procedure for safety and comfort
- Most patients feel like the appointment goes by quickly
- You may feel groggy for a few hours afterward
Unlike IV sedation, no needles are required, making it ideal for those who are needle-averse or want a simpler experience.
Sedation with Surgical Oversight
Dr. Abdullah Alkanan is a board-certified periodontist with advanced training in both surgical and sedation protocols. That means your care is not only focused on comfort—but also delivered with clinical precision and close monitoring throughout.
At our practice, oral conscious sedation is often used for:
- Dental implant surgery
- Bone grafting
- Wisdom tooth removal
- Scaling and root planing for patients with severe anxiety
- Patients who prefer not to use IV sedation
We’ll review your medical history, current medications, and past experiences to ensure this method is both safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
Available in All Three Locations
Oral conscious sedation is available at all EW Implants & Periodontics Center offices:
- Kennewick: Serving Richland, Pasco, and Tri-Cities
- Yakima: Serving West Valley, Selah, and Terrace Heights
- Walla Walla: Serving College Place and Milton-Freewater
We also accept referrals from general dentists who want their patients treated in a more relaxed, specialist setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Will I be asleep with oral conscious sedation?
No. You’ll be awake but very relaxed and likely not remember much of the procedure. It’s different from general anesthesia.
Is oral sedation safe?
Yes. It’s a safe and well-established method of managing dental anxiety. We monitor you throughout the procedure and provide detailed instructions beforehand.
How long does the sedative last?
The effects usually last 4–6 hours. You’ll feel groggy afterward and will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.
Can I eat before my appointment?
You may need to avoid food or drink for a few hours prior. We'll give you exact instructions based on your health and the medication used.
Is oral sedation enough for surgery?
For many procedures, yes. But for longer or more complex surgeries, we may recommend IV sedation for deeper relaxation and control.
Have more questions?
Our team is ready to discuss your implant options and address your concerns
