Sedation Instructions

Adult Sedation Instructions
Adult Sedation After-Care Instructions
Child Sedation Instructions

Adult Sedation Instructions

Adult Sedation After-Care Instructions

In general, the postoperative instructions after an oral conscious sedation procedure include the following:

1. Have a companion to drive you home after the oral sedation appointment and rest for the remainder of the day.
2. Have an adult to stay with you for the next 18 hours until the effects of the oral sedation have worn off.
3. Don’t perform any hazardous activities. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery for 18 hours.
4. Do not take over responsible tasks or take important decisions for at least 18 hours until you are fully mentally alert.
5. Do not eat a heavy meal immediately after oral sedation. If you’re hungry, have only a light meal.
6. If you experience nausea, lie down for a while. If the symptoms are intense contact your dentist.
7. Do not drink alcohol for 18 hours following the administration of oral conscious sedation.
8. Take any medication prescribed by the dentist. Do not take any other medications for the rest of the day unless they have been discussed and approved by your sedation dentist.
9. If you have any unusual symptoms or feel discomfort, call your dentist. If unable to contact your sedation dentist, call the closest hospital emergency room.

Each patient may respond differently to oral sedation. Therefore, each patient’s recovery time is different based on the individual’s unique response to the sedative medication. For some patients it may take more than 18 hours for the effects of oral sedation to be fully worn off.

Child Sedation Instructions

1. Sedation provides our younger patients a way of having dental work done while relaxed and comfortable.
2. For children, sedation will be achieved with the use of an oral sedative called Midazolam (trade name, Versed).
3. Midazolam sedation is not general anesthesia, there are no IV’s or injections of sedatives
4. Your child will not be “knocked out”
5. Sedation allows your child to be conscious and responsive
6. Your child will be very sleepy and very relaxed
7. Your child will be able to verbalize his/her needs and wants
8. Your child will be monitored during the entire appointment and someone will be with them at all times
9. The medicine we use has amnesiac effects, meaning your child may have little or no memory of the appointment.
10. Your child will be groggy for the rest of the day and into the evening.
11. Your child should not eat anything within 4 hours of the scheduled appointment. Juice and water are permitted. Any caffeine reduces the sedative effects.
12. In rare instances, there may be a “paradoxical” reaction to the medication. This means your child may become temporarily excitable instead of sedated. This has never happened in our experience with this medication, but it is a rare occurrence documented by the manufacturer. If your child has this reaction to the sedative, don’t worry. We will discontinue the appointment and discuss other options available so your child can comfortably have the treatment done.
13. IMPORTANT: Most pharmacies do not carry this medication in stock. Often it takes 3 days for them to get the medication once you take the prescription in. Take the prescription to the pharmacy as soon as you can, to allow time for the pharmacy to order and fill the prescription. Bring the medication to the dental office 45 minutes before the appointment and it will be dispensed by Dr. Younger. Midazolam takes approximately 30 minutes to be fully effective, during which time your child will relax in the reception area.
14. Your child will need to be with a responsible adult for the remainder of the day.
15. If you have any questions or concerns before your appointment, please call our office, 905-845-5566.