Overview:
Conscious sedation is a combination of medicines to help you relax (a sedative) and to block pain (an anesthetic) during a medical or dental procedure. You will probably stay awake but most likely will not remember the procedure upon completion.
Description:
One of our Dentists, will give you conscious sedation in our clinic generally consisting of a pill that you take prior to the appointment. We do also offer intravenous sedation for more extensive cases if needed. The oral medication works for a short amount of time, but enough to make you very comfortable for the dental procedure.
For oral sedation you will receive medicine to swallow, you will feel the effects after 30 to 60 minutes.
For IV sedation You may receive the medicine through an intravenous line (IV, in a vein). You will begin to feel drowsy and relaxed very quickly.
Your breathing will slow down, and your blood pressure may drop a little. Your health care provider will monitor you during your procedure to make sure you are OK.
You should not need help with your breathing. But you may receive extra oxygen through a mask or IV fluids through a catheter (tube) into a vein.
You may fall asleep, but you will wake up easily to respond to people in the room. You may be able to respond to verbal cues. After conscious sedation, you may feel drowsy and not remember much about your procedure.
Before the Procedure:
Tell the health care provider:
If you are or could be pregnant
What medicines you are taking, even drugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription
During the days before your procedure:
Tell your provider about allergies or health conditions you have, what medicines you are taking, and what anesthesia or sedation you have had before.
You may have blood or urine tests and a physical exam.
Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from the hospital or clinic for the procedure.
If you smoke, try to stop. Smoking increases the risk for problems such as slow healing. Ask your provider for help quitting.
On the day of your procedure:
Follow instructions about when to stop eating and drinking.
DO NOT drink alcohol the night before and the day of your procedure.
Take the drugs your doctor told you to take with a small sip of water.
Arrive at the hospital or clinic on time.
After the Procedure:
After conscious sedation, you will feel sleepy and lethargic. Most people go home and sleep for a few hours.
When you are home:
Eat a healthy meal to restore your energy.
You should be able to return to your everyday activities the next day.
Avoid driving, operating machinery, drinking alcohol, and making legal decisions for at least 24 hours.
Check with your doctor before taking any medicines or herbal supplements.
If you had surgery, follow your doctor's instructions for recovery and wound care.