At Surdel Dental Centre, our Delta dentists provide oral sedation options for patients who feel nervous about undergoing dental treatment. Here’s how the oral sedation process works.
Depending on the dosage, oral sedation can can have a range of effects, from minimal to moderate. With minimal sedation, you’ll take a pill (Halcion, which is similar to Valium, is the most popular) about an hour before your procedure. You’ll still be fully conscious, but perhaps a bit drowsy.
Moderate sedation is more common and requires a larger dose that may make you feel groggy enough to fall asleep during the procedure.
Depending on your needs, a variety of single or incremental dose protocols may be used to medicate the patient as early as a full day before the dental appointment.
Benefits of Oral Sedatives
Oral sedatives reduce anxiety, and also allow dentists to perform certain procedures in fewer appointments, and sometimes in less overall time.
What is the oral sedation process like?
During your consultation appointment, we will discuss your needs, and your concerns about your upcoming procedure. We will also review your medical history and lifestyle habits (such as smoking, alcohol use, and even what vitamins and supplements you take).
Based on the information gleaned, we will give you a prescription of sedatives to be taken up to a full day before your appointment, or as little as an hour before, or both.
As driving is not recommended while under the effects of a sedative, you must have a friend or family member drive you to and from our office on the day of your appointment.
During your dental procedure, our team will monitor you carefully to make sure you continue to feel comfortable and relaxed.
Afterwards, your companion should drive you straight back home. We recommend you take the rest of the day off of work or school, and do not operate any heavy machinery for the next 24 hours.
Also be sure to drink lots of fluids and 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.