Oral Sedation Dentistry: Is It Right For You?

Minimal sedation: You are awake but relaxed

Moderate sedation: You might hear the term “conscious sedation” to refer to this level of sedation. At this level, you will have slurred speech and may not remember much of the dental procedure.

Deep sedation: You are very sleepy and will not remember anything about the procedure. You can still be awakened.

General anesthesia: You are completely unconscious at this level and will not remember anything about the dental procedure.

Nitrous Oxide: Also known as the “laughing gas”, it is combined with oxygen through a mask that is placed over your nose for inhaled minimal sedation. Your dentist can control the amount of sedation you receive. This has the least post-procedure side effects because the effects of the gas wear off very quickly. In fact, you might be able to drive yourself home after the dental procedure.

Oral sedation: You will be given oral sedatives to take before the procedure to help you relax. Your dentist will tell you to take the medication an hour before your procedure. You will be fully awake during the procedure but more relaxed, or less anxious. You will feel sleepy or “groggy” until the medication effects wear off. Your dentist will recommend that you have somebody to take you home.

IV sedation: The oral sedative will be administered via IV or intravenous. The medication will work more quickly. Your dentist can adjust the level of sedative administered to achieve the desired level of sedation. You can be put in varying levels of consciousness. You can be put completely asleep or unconscious during the dental procedure. This is called general anesthesia. While you are under general anesthesia, you can’t be easily awakened until the effects of the anesthesia wear off or until it is reversed through medication.

There is no pre-appointment preparations necessary for inhaled minimal sedation. Your dentist will supply everything you need for the nitrous oxide gas.

For oral sedatives, you will be given a prescription for the medication as well as instructions on how to take it. Typically, you will be told to take the medication orally one hour before your dental procedure. But it is critical that you follow the instructions given to you on how to take the oral sedatives. You will feel drowsy and relaxed when the medication begins to work.

If you will be using IV sedation, there might be pre-appointment preparations necessary. For example, your dentist might ask you not to eat or drink anything hours before your dental procedure. You might also have to stop taking certain medications on the day before your appointment. This is because your medications might interfere with the sedation medication to be used for your dental work.

IV sedation requires an anesthesiologist. The Center for Dental Restorations can, and have had, well known licensed anesthesiologists come in to help with our patients who need IV sedation. During the initial assessment, we will help you determine if IV sedation is what you need, and we will arrange and coordinate for an anesthesiologist for your treatment. Call our office at 619-294-9525 for more details.

Delaying dental treatment you need and/or want?

Scared, even terrified, to pick up the phone to schedule a dental appointment?

In pain, especially when you eat?

Someone who has trouble gagging?

Looking to smile again with confidence?

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