Oral sedation involves taking prescribed medication before your dental treatment to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

Unlike general anesthesia, oral sedation does not put you fully to sleep. You remain conscious and able to respond to your dentist throughout your appointment, although you may feel very relaxed or drowsy and may remember little of the procedure afterward.

Depending on your individual needs, your dentist will determine whether oral sedation is appropriate and provide specific instructions for your appointment.

Oral sedation may be helpful for patients who:

• Experience dental anxiety or fear
• Have had a difficult dental experience in the past
• Feel nervous about longer or more involved procedures
• Have a strong gag reflex
• Have difficulty becoming comfortable in the dental chair
• Have been postponing necessary dental care because of anxiety

Every patient is different, and our team will take the time to understand your concerns before recommending sedation.

Oral sedation is typically provided in the form of prescribed medication taken before your appointment.

You will remain awake and responsive during treatment, but you should feel significantly more relaxed and may become drowsy. The effects of the medication can continue for several hours after your appointment.

For your safety, you will need to arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from your appointment and remain with you afterward as instructed by your dentist. You should not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions until the effects of the medication have fully worn off.

Sedation Patient Instructions