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Feeling anxious about an upcoming surgical or dental procedure? Many patients worry about pain, anxiety, or even sitting still for long appointments. That’s where sedation comes in. It helps you stay calm and comfortable while your oral surgeon performs necessary care.
To help you prepare, we’ve answered the 10 most common questions patients ask about dental sedation. From what it feels like to how to prepare, here’s everything you should know before your procedure.
Table of Contents
- 1. What kinds of sedation are there?
- 2. Is sedation safe?
- 3. Who is a good candidate for sedation?
- 4. How should I prepare for a sedation procedure?
- 5. What will I feel during sedation?
- 6. What are the risks of dental sedation?
- 7. How long does recovery take?
- 8. Can I wake up in the middle of my procedure?
- 9. Will I be awake or asleep during my procedure?
- 10. How is sedation different when performed by an oral surgeon?
- Experience Comfortable, Worry-Free Care
1. What kinds of sedation are there?
Sedation comes in several types, ranging from light relaxation to full anesthesia. The right option depends on your anxiety level, medical history, and the complexity of your procedure.
Common types of sedation:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): A mild sedative inhaled through a small nose mask that helps you relax but stay awake. It wears off quickly after the procedure.
- Oral conscious sedation (pill): Usually taken about an hour before treatment. You’ll feel relaxed and may not remember much of the procedure.
- IV sedation: Delivered directly into a vein for fast, precise control. You’re deeply relaxed, or semi-conscious, and may have little to no memory afterward.
- General anesthesia: You’re fully asleep and monitored continuously by your oral surgeon and anesthesia team. This option is typically used for complex or lengthy surgeries.
2. Is sedation safe?
When administered by a trained and licensed professional, sedation is extremely safe. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons undergo years of hospital-based anesthesia training and maintain advanced certification in airway management and patient monitoring.
During your procedure, all vital signs are continuously tracked to ensure your safety. The medications and doses are carefully tailored to your age, health, and comfort level.
3. Who is a good candidate for sedation?
Most healthy adults and teens are good candidates for sedation. It’s especially beneficial if you:
- Experience significant dental anxiety or fear
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Need extensive dental or surgical work such as dental implants or multiple tooth extractions
- Struggle with local anesthesia not working effectively
- Have special needs or medical conditions that make it hard to sit still
However, patients with conditions such as severe sleep apnea, certain heart or lung problems, or those who are pregnant may require a modified approach or a preoperative workup with their physician before sedation.
4. How should I prepare for a sedation procedure?
Preparation depends on the type of sedation you’re receiving.
General guidelines:
- Fasting: Avoid solid foods for at least 8 hours before your procedure. You may drink clear liquids (like water) up to 2 hours before, unless told otherwise.
- Medications: Take only the medicines approved by your oral surgeon. Bring a full list of prescriptions and supplements to your consultation.
- Transportation: If you’re receiving oral sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, you’ll need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.
- Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Avoid wearing jewelry or heavy makeup.
5. What will I feel during sedation?
Your experience depends on the level of sedation:
- Nitrous oxide: You’ll feel calm and possibly a bit lightheaded or tingly, but you remain awake and aware.
- Oral or IV sedation: You’ll feel deeply relaxed and time may seem to pass quickly. Many patients remember little or nothing afterward.
- General anesthesia: You’ll be completely asleep and unaware of the procedure.
In all cases, you will be closely monitored, and your surgeon can adjust sedation levels as needed.
6. What are the risks of dental sedation?
While sedation is very safe, minor side effects can occur, including:
- Drowsiness or grogginess after the procedure
- Nausea or vomiting (rare)
- Dry mouth
- Temporary drop in blood pressure or breathing rate
Rarely, serious life threatening side effects can occur, regardless of the setting.
At AZ Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, all sedation procedures are performed by board-certified surgeons with hospital-level training and monitoring equipment. Every effort is made with each patient to ensure safe, high-quality care.
7. How long does recovery take?
Recovery depends on the type of sedation used:
- Nitrous oxide: Wears off in minutes and you can usually drive yourself home.
- Oral or IV sedation: Drowsiness can last several hours; plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
- General anesthesia: Full recovery may take the rest of the day. You’ll need a driver and should avoid operating heavy machinery or making major decisions for 24 hours.
Your team will monitor you after the procedure to ensure you are ready to go home safely.
8. Can I wake up in the middle of my procedure?
During IV sedation or general anesthesia, your vital signs are monitored constantly to ensure you remain at the correct depth of sedation. The medications are precisely adjusted throughout your procedure, so you stay comfortable and unaware of what’s happening.
If you’re under oral or nitrous sedation, you will remain awake but deeply relaxed, sometimes even drifting in and out of sleep. You’ll still be calm, cooperative, and pain-free, but should never “wake up” suddenly or feel startled.
Our team’s job is to make sure your experience feels peaceful and predictable from start to finish.
9. Will I be awake or asleep during my procedure?
That depends on the type of sedation used:
- With nitrous oxide, you’re awake and aware, but very calm.
- With oral or IV sedation, you’ll be in a twilight state. You will be very relaxed and may not remember any of the appointment.
- With general anesthesia, you’ll be completely asleep and won’t feel, hear, or remember the procedure.
Your oral surgeon will recommend the lightest level of sedation needed to keep you safe and comfortable, so you can relax knowing you’re fully in control of how awake—or asleep—you want to be.
10. How is sedation different when performed by an oral surgeon?
The biggest difference is training and equipment. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons receive hospital-based anesthesia training that goes far beyond what’s required in general dentistry. They’re skilled in airway management, emergency response, and medication dosing for all levels of sedation, including deep sedation and general anesthesia.
At AZ Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, each office is equipped with hospital-grade monitors, emergency systems, and a dedicated anesthesia team. This allows us to perform procedures safely and comfortably right in our offices, without the need for a hospital setting.
Simply put, you receive the same standards of care as recommended by the American Society of Anesthesiologists, with the comfort and convenience of an outpatient visit.
Experience Comfortable, Worry-Free Care
Sedation can transform an anxious, uncomfortable experience into a calm and positive one. Whether you need a tooth extraction or a complex procedure, our oral surgeons tailor sedation to your needs, ensuring maximum comfort and safety from start to finish.
Schedule a consultation today and let our experienced oral surgeons in Mesa, North Mesa, Tempe, Queen Creek, and Show Low, design a personalized plan that helps you relax and feel confident about your care.
To book an appointment at any one of our locations, call or text (480) 830-5866.
