Sedation Options for your Comfort
We understand that just the thought of oral surgery can stir up feelings of anxiety for some patients. You are not alone. It is the body’s natural response to feeling vulnerable. Our compassionate and comforting team is here to guide you through your oral surgery journey, which includes discussing sedation options with you.
From scheduling your consult through your follow up post surgery, Dr. Mehrabi and our team look forward to providing you reasons to smile and feel comfortable.
Nitrous Oxide/Laughing Gas
What is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous Oxide, otherwise known as “laughing gas,” is a safe, effective, and customized dose of sedative agent mixed with oxygen that is inhaled through a small, comfortable mask placed over your nose. You will be awake and able to respond to direction, while feeling a sense of euphoria and relaxation during your oral surgery appointment.
Side Effects of Nitrous Oxide
Common short-term side effects include sweating, shivering, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and fatigue. One of the benefits of this form of sedation is that it wears off quickly, usually in about 15 minutes. You will be able to drive yourself home from your appointment without feeling groggy.
Oral Conscious Sedation
What is Oral Sedation?
Oral Conscious Sedation is typically an anti-anxiety medication that comes in pill form and is taken about an hour before your surgical appointment. These oral medications affect people differently, but typically you will feel relaxed, maybe drowsy, yet still alert enough to respond to verbal direction during your treatment.
Side Effects of Oral Sedation
Drowsiness is usually the number one side effect of oral sedation. Often times, people describe feelings of heaviness or sluggishness and do not remember the procedure once the sedation has worn off. These effects can last 4-6 hours, so you will need to plan to have someone drive you home from your appointment. You will not be able to resume your daily activities right away. Other mild side effects may include dry mouth, headache, and nausea.
IV Conscious Sedation
What is IV Sedation?
IV Conscious Sedation is often the preferred method for oral surgery. It is safe and effective. With IV sedation, medications are administered through a small catheter inserted into a vein. This form of sedation is also commonly known as “twilight anesthesia,” as it is a depressed level of consciousness, or awareness, with the ability to respond to verbal commands. Most patients will only have a dim memory about the procedure or none at all with this type of anesthesia. Supplemental oxygen is delivered through the nose and the patient’s vital signs are closely monitored during and after the procedure.
Side Effects of IV Sedation
Much like Oral Sedation, the most common (desired) side effects include drowsiness, relaxation, and a loss of memory of what happened during the procedure (amnesia). The side effects of this form of sedation are longer lasting and can include slow reflexes, low blood pressure, headache, and nausea. If you have IV sedation, you will need to have someone drive you home from your appointment. It is also recommended that someone stay with you for a few hours after you have returned home. You should not drive or make important decisions for 24 hours after sedation.