Common Questions
Sedation, explained
Not at all. Sedation in our offices is very popular, for surgery, for long appointments, and for complicated procedures, as well as for basic dental anxiety.
Most people do doze during their appointment, but our primary goal is relaxation and comfort with safety. With IV sedation, the "twilight" state is deeper; most patients remember little to nothing of the visit.
Properly administered oral sedation is the safest form of sedation. We use sophisticated monitoring equipment during all procedures, and you are always attended by a trained doctor or staff member. IV sedation is administered and monitored by clinicians with extensive training in these techniques.
For oral sedation, one of many safe and widely used sleeping pills is prescribed. For IV sedation, sedative medication is delivered intravenously and adjusted precisely throughout your procedure. We'll review your health history and current medications before recommending either.
Always. Conscious sedation is not general anesthesia; treatment is no different than if you were not sedated. The difference is that you will be much more relaxed, memory of the procedure will be minimal, and the time will seem to fly by.
No. The effects last many hours and driving is not safe. We will call your ride at the end of your appointment to bring you home. You should not plan to do anything but sleep for the rest of the day. By the next morning you will feel normal, rested, and ready to get on with your life.
No. There is a sedation fee to cover the expense of the drugs and the monitoring, but we don't try to profit from sedation. Our profit (and yours) is in your comfort and in the quality of your care. See payments & insurance for how we handle costs.