Dental sedation (or sedation dentistry) is the use of medication to help patients relax before, during, and after oral surgery. Sedation can be administered through gas inhalation, a small pill, or an IV. Regardless of its form, there are a few key steps that must be taken in advance to ensure safety and success.
How to Prepare for Oral Surgery Treatment
It is vital to follow instructions carefully as you prepare for oral surgery sedation.
Food and Drink
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery appointment.
- Have liquids and soft foods on hand for when you return home to recover.
A Responsible Adult
- Line up someone to drive you to and from your appointment. You’ll likely have some form of sedation that will prevent you from driving home.
- Plan to have a companion stay for the duration of the surgery and then at home, available to help you when needed. Please inform your driver to not leave the office to run errands while you are in surgery.
The Morning of Surgery
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing, so we have access to arms for monitors and IVs.
- If you have a cold or fever, reschedule your oral surgery.
Plan for Rest
- Schedule a day or two to take it easy. Set up a comfy place to watch Netflix and relax.
- Cancel all plans to engage in physical, work or school activities.
Intravenous Sedation
For patients undergoing a surgical procedure, IV (intravenous) anesthesia is an excellent option that ensures the patient will feel calm and relaxed. The medication that runs through the IV causes you to drift in and out of consciousness with no memory of the oral surgery when it’s over. When appropriate, a deeper level of anesthesia can be achieved. IV anesthesia is very comfortable and has a short recovery phase. Since we administer this type of anesthesia in our office through an IV, we can reverse it at any time.
What are the Benefits of Using Sedation for Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery sedation is a completely relaxing and pain-free solution for our most anxious patients (and those with no anxiety whatsoever as well). What should you expect from dental sedation? What does IV Sedation feel like? Here’s a list of the advantages of using oral surgery sedation:
- Immediate Relaxation
The moment we give you an IV, the calming medication enters your bloodstream, all tension disappears, and every worry vanishes. - Long-Lasting Effects
We ensure the medication you receive intravenously is effective throughout your entire procedure and monitor you closely from beginning to end. - Flexible Administration
We monitor your heart rate, cardiogram, blood pressure, and blood oxygen level to ensure you are getting the optimal amount of medication. If necessary, we can end the sedation and procedure at any time. - Efficient Care
While you are comfortable and relaxed in the chair, we carry out all necessary procedures during that time. - Dreamy Experience
The true beauty of IV Sedation for the anxious patient is that all memory of the procedure is erased. You are unaware of any sounds, sights, or details of the treatment when under IV Sedation. - Easy Return to Consciousness
The recovery phase is quick.
Post Operative Instructions
It’s important to remember that with most oral surgeries, healing takes time. So, more than anything, successful recovery requires rest. Don’t rush things. Schedule plenty of downtime to allow your body to heal. Wait a few days to return to work and at least a week to return to strenuous activities. In addition to resting, rinsing your mouth with salt water for a day or two after surgery in addition to careful brushing will allow the surgical site to heal more quickly. We will provide you with detailed post-surgical care instructions at your consultation.
Experienced and Trained Oral Surgeons
Oral surgeons are the only dental professionals who have undergone rigorous hospital-based anesthesia training that ensures optimal and safe results. Our doctors are trained and certified to administer anesthesia, having spent several rotations with anesthesiologists in hospital settings for many months at a time. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons deliver comfortable and safe oral surgical care that isn’t typically available at dental practices. The 4-6-year training period that oral surgeons undergo after dental school includes anesthesiology and makes them exceptionally prepared to keep you comfortable and safe during surgery.