Dental treatment under sedation
sedation dentistry · sleep dentistry · IV sedation at the dentist · dental anxiety treatment
You get a calming medicine and have your dental work done while relaxed and drowsy. The tooth is also numbed with a regular shot.
If you have a strong fear of the dentist, a strong gag reflex, or a lot of work to do in one visit.
⏱ Duration: treatment usually takes 1 to 3 hours, plus rest time at the clinic afterward
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Food and drink. Usually no food or drink for a few hours before sedation. The clinic will tell you the exact time.
- Medicines. Do not stop your regular medicines on your own. Ask your doctor how to take them that day.
- Someone with you. An adult must take you home. You cannot drive yourself.
- Clothes. Comfortable clothes with short sleeves, no nail polish, no makeup.
What to bring
- Your ID
- A list of your medicines
- An adult to take you home
- Test results, if you were asked
How it goes
- The anesthetist or doctor asks you questions and checks your blood pressure
- A sensor goes on your finger, and an IV line is placed, or the medicine is given another way
- The calming medicine is given, and you relax and doze
- The tooth is numbed with a shot
- The dentist works while your breathing and pulse are watched the whole time
- You wake up and rest at the clinic until you feel yourself again
What you'll feel
- You feel calm and sleepy, and may not remember much later
- The IV or gum shot is felt briefly
- Afterward, you feel sleepy and weak for the rest of the day
Afterwards
- Rest at home for the rest of the day
- That day, do not drive, drink alcohol, or make important decisions
- Do not eat until the numbness wears off
- Your dentist will give you advice on tooth care
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Trouble breathing or blue lips: call emergency services
- Sleepiness does not pass and the person is hard to wake: call emergency services
- Severe pain or swelling where you were treated
Common questions
Is this general anesthesia?
No. With sedation you doze, but usually breathe on your own and can respond. General anesthesia is a deeper sleep.
Will I feel nothing?
Treatment usually goes calmly. The tooth is also numbed with a shot.
Can I go home alone?
No. You need an adult with you, and you cannot drive that day.