The dental visit can be stressful for a lot of people. Even minor procedures like cleanings and fillings make a lot of patients anxious. Here is where sedation dentistry near you is useful.
Everyone wants to know, how long will oral sedation last? Oral sedation is a common way of helping patients stay relaxed while they have something done to their teeth. To keep it simple, let’s have a discussion regarding sedation dentistry and oral sedation so you can get a better understanding of it.
What is Oral Sedation?
Oral sedation is a form of sedation dentistry that a dentist prescribes to the patient to take medicine by mouth. Generally, the drug will be in pill form or liquid. Oral sedation works by depressing your nervous system, producing calmness in the body. With oral sedation, you are never unconscious as with general anesthesia. Instead, you are awake, but relaxed.
Some common medicines used for oral sedation include
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
- Triazolam
These medications are not dangerous when used by a trained dentist and prescribed within reason.
How Long Does Oral Sedation Last?
The total length of sedative effects can vary depending on a number of factors, including
- Type of medicine used
- Dose given
- Your age and weight
- Your general health
- How anxious do you feel before the procedure
In general:
- On average, mild sedation generally lasts around 2-4 hours, during which time patients will experience drowsiness.
- Moderate sedation may last longer, at approximately 6 hours. It is common for some patients to remain sleepy after exiting a dental facility.
- Some residual effects, like mild drowsiness or slow reflexes, can last as long as 12 hours in some cases.
The following table is a simple way to understand how oral sedation works
Type of Oral Sedation | Typical Duration | Effect After Procedure |
Mild Sedation | 2–4 hours | Slight drowsiness, relaxed |
Moderate Sedation | 4–6 hours | Sleepiness, calmness may remain |
Residual Effects | Up to 12 hours | Mild fatigue, slow reflexes |
Important: You should not drive, operate heavy machinery, or make critical decisions for at least 12 hours after oral sedation. Always follow the directions given by your dentist near you.
What to Expect During a Dental Procedure
When you visit a dental clinic near you to receive oral sedation
- The dentist will discuss your medical history and review the appropriate type and dosage of medication.
- Prior to the procedure, you will swallow the oral sedative about 30 to 60 minutes in advance.
- You will begin to feel relaxed and calm; some patients note a gentle drowsiness, while others just feel relaxed.
- As the procedure begins, your dentist will be monitoring your vitals (for example, heart rate and blood/oxygen levels).
How to Prepare for Oral Sedation
Proper preparation can make oral sedation safer and more effective
- Avoid eating heavy meals before your appointment. Some dentists may ask you to fast for a few hours.
- Have someone drive you home. Oral sedation can make you drowsy and slow your reaction.
- Tell your dentist about all medicines or supplements you are taking. Some drugs can affect sedation.
- Wear comfortable clothes; make sure you can relax during the treatment.
Benefits of Oral Sedation
- It is great to reduce anxiety and fear during dental procedures.
- It is helpful for patients with a low threshold for pain.
- Allows dentists to do multiple procedures in one visit.
- It can help patients who avoid going to the dentist because of fear.
If you’re looking for sedation dentistry in Lloydminster, oral sedation is a safe supplement that can help make dental treatments performed on patients of any age more pleasant and comfortable.
After the Procedure
After the dental procedure is complete, you may feel sleepy or slightly unsteady. Those effects may continue for a couple of hours after your visit. Some patients will also feel slight nausea or dizziness. It is important to rest post-procedure and avoid driving or making any major decisions that day. Drinking water and eating a light meal or food (if your dentist allows) can help you recover faster.
Finding a Dentist for Oral Sedation
If oral sedation is something you’re interested in, find a dentist near you or dental clinic near you that performs sedation dentistry. A knowledgeable and experienced dentist will help keep you safe and comfortable during the procedure and will also communicate how long you can expect the sedative to last while also giving you instructions for proper post-procedure care.
Wrapping Up
Oral sedation is a safe and effective way to minimize anxiety during dental procedures. The effects can last from 2 to 6 hours and will have mild residual effects for up to 12 hours. While your preparation, monitoring from a professional, and later instructions will all vary from dentist to dentist, this is the dress rehearsal for a great outcome! By choosing dental sedation near me, you can go through that door and put yourself in a calm, relaxed, and safe place to receive dental care to keep your smile healthy and stop the fear.
Oral Sedation Makes Dental Visits Simple!
If you want a calm and stress-free dental visit, Tooth Suite Family Dentistry is here to help. Our friendly team of dentist lloydminster offers professional care for children, teens, and adults. We offer gentle dental care and use oral sedation to make your treatments easy and comfortable. Schedule your appointment today for a calm, stress-free visit!
