Sedation Dentistry: How long will it take for the sedation to wear off?
The answer to that question depends on the type of sedation you’ll be receiving. Your dentist will discuss the various options with you, including how long the effects of the different delivery methods last. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have about any aspect of sedation dentistry.
How Sedation May Improve Your Dental Care
Sedation dentistry uses anti-anxiety medications to help patients achieve a state of deep relaxation during treatment. Because patients feel like they are sleeping and are unaware of the passage of time while under sedation, this treatment option can be helpful for patients who are:
- Anxious
- Fidgety/unable to sit still for long periods of time
- In need of complex, time-consuming treatments
- Having a strong gag reflex
Clearly, sedation dentistry is a versatile tool with many potential applications.
Sedation Options
Our practice offers a number of alternatives for the delivery of sedation dentistry, including:
- Nitrous oxide – inhaled in gaseous form
- Oral sedation – taken in pill form in advance of appointment
- IV sedation – delivered directly into the patient’s bloodstream
Different delivery methods may be suitable in different scenarios, so your provider will educate you on the option or options that are most appropriate in your case.
Sedation Dentistry: What To Expect After Your Appointment
One of the main concerns that many patients have about sedation dentistry is the length of time that they can expect to feel the effects of the medications. That will depend on the delivery method.
- Nitrous oxide loses its effect fairly quickly, often by the time the patient is ready to leave the office after the appointment.
- Oral sedation’s effects will last until after the patient returns home.
- IV sedation’s effects will last until after the patient returns home.
Patients who are choosing sedation dentistry should make arrangements for a responsible adult to escort them home from the appointment and remain with them until the sedative’s effects are fully reversed.
If you have any other questions about sedation dentistry and what to expect, we encourage you to call Aesthetic Dental Partners and speak to one of our knowledgeable staff members.