If you’ve been told you need dental treatment but feel nervous about the experience, you may be wondering what being under dental sedation actually feels like. Depending on the type and level of sedation used, you may remain awake and able to respond to your dentist, or you may become very drowsy. Let’s start with some context and define sedation dentistry before getting into specifics.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves using different sedatives to ease a patient’s mind who’s experiencing acute anxiety about dental treatment. A couple of common methods include:
- Nitrous Oxide: A gas administered via a nasal mask right before treatment begins that’s perfect for patients with mild dental anxiety. Produces calm, warm feelings and the effects quickly wear off once the mask comes off.
- Oral Conscious Sedation: With this method, the patient takes a pill prescribed by the doctor at a specific time on the day of their appointment with the intention that they’ll be very relaxed for their procedure. It’s stronger than nitrous oxide, so make sure you arrange for someone to drive you to and from your dentist’s office.
When appropriately administered and monitored by trained professionals, sedation should not present any safety concerns. Before your appointment, your dental team will review relevant medical information, medications, allergies, and other factors that could affect sedation.
Different sedation methods have different requirements and levels of monitoring, so your dentist will determine what is appropriate for your procedure and individual circumstances.
Now, more on the sensations!
You May Feel Relaxed and Drowsy
One of the primary goals of dental sedation is to reduce anxiety. Depending on the medication and dosage, you may feel deeply relaxed, sleepy, or detached from the procedure.
Some patients describe feeling as though they are in a dreamlike state. Others simply feel calm and less concerned about what’s happening around them. Your level of awareness depends on the type of sedation you receive.
It’s important to understand that sedation is different from general anesthesia. Many forms of dental sedation allow you to remain conscious and communicate with your dental team, including nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation.
You May Have Little Memory of the Appointment
Some forms of sedation can cause temporary amnesia or make the appointment seem much shorter than it actually was. You might remember portions of the procedure or very little of it afterward.
This effect varies from person to person and depends on the type and amount of medication used. Your dentist or sedation provider can explain what you are likely to experience before treatment.
You May Feel Groggy Afterward
Even if you feel alert shortly after your procedure, the effects of sedation can continue after you leave the dental office. Depending on the medication used, you may feel tired, unsteady, or groggy for several hours.
Your dental team will give you specific recovery instructions. Follow all instructions regarding eating, drinking, medications, driving, and other activities.
If you’re considering sedation, ask your dentist what type will be used, what you can expect to feel, and what restrictions you’ll need to follow afterward. Knowing what to expect can help you approach your dental appointment with greater confidence.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Saphner earned his dental degree from the University of Minnesota. He’s completed over 500 hours of continuing education to stay up to date professionally and is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a rare honor achieved by only roughly 6 percent of North American dentists. While he prides himself on his gentle approach to dental care, Dr. Saphner understands some patients need extra help to relax. If you think you’d benefit from sedation dentistry, contact us online or call our La Crosse office at (608) 668-6415.