FAQs about Sedation Dentistry

FAQs about Sedation Dentistry

oral sedation CharlottesvilleWhen working with an oral surgeon, many patients choose to take advantage of sedation dentistry for a more comfortable treatment experience. At the same time, those patients often have questions or concerns about sedation dentistry.

Here are some of the most common questions about sedation dentistry:

Q: How does sedation dentistry work?

A: The patient will take an anti-anxiety medication that helps them to achieve a state of deep relaxation. In many cases, the patient will actually remain conscious throughout the procedure but so relaxed that it feels as though they are asleep.

Q: I hate needles. Will I have to get an IV for sedation dentistry?

A: Not necessarily. There are a number of different methods to deliver the sedative medications. Oral sedation, in which the medication is taken in pill form, can be a good alternative for patients who are uncomfortable with an IV.

Q: How do I prepare for my sedation?

A: The different sedation delivery methods will require different steps prior to your dental appointment. For example, a patient who chooses oral sedation usually has to take the prescribed medication prior to arriving at the oral surgeon’s office. Therefore, patients who choose oral sedatives are unable to drive themselves to the appointment, as the medication can begin to have its effect while the patient is en route.

Q: How long does it take for the sedation to wear off?

A: With oral sedation, it may take a few hours for the medication’s effects to be reversed. This is another reason why patients who get oral sedation must have a responsible adult accompany them to the appointment. That escort can also drive the patient home afterward.

If you have any questions about sedation dentistry before your oral surgery procedure, please feel free to ask the oral surgeon or one of the surgical assistants. No question is too minor or silly, and we want to make sure that the whole process goes as smoothly as possible.

Call our office at 434-295-0911 to get any of your questions answered about sedation dentistry.