Dental anxiety is frequent, and some patients go to great lengths to avoid visiting their dentist due to anxiety or nervousness. The good news is that sedation dentistry in Brampton provides a safe and comfortable option.
Sedation will help the patient to relax during a dental treatment, such as a filling, root canal, or extraction, which will substantially improve their dental experience. However, one common question of patients is, “How long does sedation last for dental treatment?” So, let’s take a deeper look, in simple terms.
What is Dental Sedation?
Dental sedation is the use of medication to help you feel calm and relaxed during the dental procedure. A dentist near you may use different levels of sedation depending on your needs:
- Minimal sedation—you remain awake but feel relaxed.
- Moderate sedation—you may slur your words and may not recall much of the procedure.
- Deep sedation—you are barely conscious but can still be awakened.
- General anesthesia—you are completely unconscious for the procedure.
Various types of sedation work for various durations, and a dentist in Brampton will choose the best type for you based on your dental procedure and level of comfort.
How long does sedation last?
The duration of sedation depends on the type of medication used and the route of administration:
Oral sedation
Pills (including diazepam or triazolam) are prescribed about one hour prior to your dental procedure. The calming effects of sedatives typically last between 4 to 6 hours, although you may feel drowsy for a bit longer after the sedatives have stopped working.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
This form of sedation is inhaled and acts very quickly, generally within a few minutes. The sedation effect also goes away fairly quickly after the gas is stopped. Most patients will self-drive home from the dental office after this type of sedation.
IV Sedation
Intravenous sedation is injected directly into the bloodstream, where it works very quickly and can last for 2 to 4 hours. Lastly, recovery will vary from mild to groggy, and you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is used mainly for more complex procedures or in anxious patients. The after-effect of most general anesthetics will last for many hours after the dental procedure is completed. Once patients are under general anesthesia, there will be close monitoring of recovery time, which may require an overnight stay.
Things That Influence the Duration of Sedation
Several things will also impact how long sedation lasts:
- Type of sedation—such as oral, IV, nitrous oxide, or general anesthesia.
- Your weight & metabolism—we all respond differently to medications in terms of how long they have an effect.
- Length and type of treatment—such as longer treatments, which may mean longer-acting sedation and longer recovery.
- Other medications—any medication prescribed to you can either enhance sedation or the opposite, reduce sedation.
As a result of all of these possible factors, a sedation dentist near you will always do a thorough medical history evaluation in order to determine the right dosage and sedation method for you.
How to Ensure a Safe and Comfortable Sedation Experience?
There are several things you can do in order to help ensure sedation will work:
- Follow all pre-procedure instructions (i.e. fasting) if required.
- Ensure you arrange a ride home or someone to take you home after deep sedation or IV sedation.
- Do not drink alcohol or consume other sedative medications on the day of your treatment.
- Let your dentist know about any medications you take regularly or any health conditions.
A sedation dentistry near you will put your safety and comfort first, which means they will offer a procedure that starts and ends with minimal stress.
Recovery After Sedation
Typically, after sedation, most patients feel groggy, as every patient’s recovery time varies. Most patients who experience minimal sedation can return to normal activity quickly, while those who experience deep sedation may take several hours to recover after their procedure. To help your body recover faster, drink plenty of water, eat lightly, and take it easy for the rest of the day.
Relax, Smile, Repeat—Your Comfort, Our Priority!
If dental anxiety has prevented you from coming in for the care you have needed, utilizing sedation dentistry will have you cooperating and having a calm and smooth visit. Whether mild oral sedation or deeper IV sedation, your overall comfort is our first goal.
Dentistry on Hurontario is always fresh and ready to help, providing competent and compassionate support for all of your dental needs. Please book your appointment today for a comfortable and relaxed dental visit to help keep your smile healthy and bright.
Schedule your dental visit today, and discover a new stress-free approach to taking care of your teeth!