At Scott 72 Dental, our Surrey/Delta dentists provide oral sedation to help our patients feel less nervous about about their dental treatment. Here’s how the process works.
Oral sedation can can have a range of effects, from mild to moderate, depending on the dosage and type of sedation. With mild sedation, you’ll take a pill (Halcion, which is similar to Valium, is a common choice) about an hour before your procedure. You’ll still be fully conscious, but perhaps a bit drowsy.
Moderate sedation, which is more common, may make you feel drowsy enough to fall asleep during your procedure.
Depending on your requirements and stress level, various options for single or incremental dose protocols can be prescribed up to a full day before the dental appointment.
Benefits of Oral Sedatives
Oral sedatives reduce anxiety, helping patients to feel more comfortable before and during treatment. In some cases it allow dentists to perform certain procedures in fewer appointments, and sometimes in less time overall.
What is the oral sedation process like?
During your initial consultation, we will discuss your concerns regarding your upcoming procedure. We will also review your medical history and lifestyle habits (whether or not you smoke, your alcohol use, and even what vitamins and supplements you take, for instance).
Based on the information we obtain during your consultation, we will provide you with a sedative prescription and instructions for its use. You may need to take your dose up to a full day before your appointment, or as little as an hour before, or both, again depending on your specific needs.
You will not be able to drive while under the effects of a sedative, so you must have a friend or family member drive you to and from our office on the day of your appointment.
Our team will carefully monitor you to make sure you continue to feel comfortable and relaxed throughout your dental procedure.
After your appointment, your companion should drive you straight back home. You will need to take the rest of the day off of work or school, and be sure not to operate any heavy machinery for the next 24 hours.
It is also important to drink lots of fluids so that you remain well hydrated after your sedation dentistry appointment. Most patients feel no side effects a day after their appointment, and are able to return to their normal daily routines.