Oral sedation is a deeper level of relaxation than nitrous oxide. Your dentist prescribes a sedative — usually taken about an hour before your appointment — so you arrive already feeling calm and at ease.
Dr. Azevedo and Dr. Lee recommend oral sedation for patients with significant dental anxiety, for longer procedures, or for anyone who has put off treatment because the idea of being in the chair is too stressful. You stay awake, but most patients remember very little of the appointment afterward.
Because the sedative effect lasts several hours, you will need a friend or family member to drive you to and from your visit, and to stay with you at home for the rest of the day. We walk through all of this clearly before we prescribe anything.
Why it matters
- ✓Helps patients with significant dental anxiety get the care they need
- ✓Makes longer procedures feel like a short, quiet rest
- ✓Most patients remember very little of the appointment
- ✓Lets us combine multiple treatments into one visit when appropriate
Questions we hear
Will I be unconscious?+
No. You stay awake and can respond if we ask you something, but you are deeply relaxed and may drift in and out. Most patients describe it as feeling like a long, comfortable rest.
Do I need someone to drive me?+
Yes. The sedative stays in your system for several hours, so you cannot drive yourself. A friend or family member needs to bring you to the appointment, take you home, and stay with you for the rest of the day.
Is oral sedation safe for me?+
For most adults, yes. We review your full medical history and current medications before prescribing anything. If oral sedation is not the right fit, we will tell you and discuss alternatives — including nitrous oxide.