Oral Sedation Dentistry: What You Need to Know

Oral sedation is one of the most popular forms of sedation dentistry, offering a deeper level of relaxation than nitrous oxide while still being less invasive than IV sedation.

How It Works

Your dentist will prescribe a sedative medication — typically a benzodiazepine like triazolam (Halcion) — that you take about an hour before your appointment. By the time you're in the dental chair, you'll feel deeply relaxed and drowsy.

Levels of Oral Sedation

• Minimal sedation: A smaller dose that makes you relaxed but fully awake
• Moderate sedation: A larger dose that may cause you to feel drowsy; some patients fall asleep but can be easily awakened

Benefits

• No needles: The medication is taken as a pill
• Easy to administer: Simply swallow a pill before your appointment
• Amnesic effect: Most patients remember little to nothing about the procedure
• Cost-effective: Generally less expensive than IV sedation

What to Expect

You'll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. The medication can make you quite drowsy, and its effects may last several hours after your procedure. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day.

During the procedure, you'll be monitored continuously. While you may drift in and out of sleep, you can still respond to verbal commands and physical prompts.

Preparing for Oral Sedation

- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you - Follow your dentist's instructions about eating and drinking before the appointment - Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing - Take the medication at the prescribed time - Inform your dentist of all medications you currently take