When it comes to dental sedation, the effects usually start to wear off after about half an hour. However, you may still feel lightheaded and sleepy for a few hours afterwards. To ensure your safety, it is important to have someone accompany you and drive you home. Read on to learn more about oral sedation and how long it lasts. Your dentist will assess your needs and recommend the best type of sedation for you.
This type of sedation is also known as conscious sedation dentistry or “twilight sleep” because it creates a short-term state of amnesia in which one experiences insensitivity to pain without losing consciousness. After undergoing conscious oral sedation or intravenous sedation, it usually takes around 24 hours for a full recovery. Conscious oral sedation can last between two and eight hours, depending on the type of medication used. It is important to arrange for someone to drive you home after your appointment. Intravenous sedation is more effective as it allows greater control over the level of sedation needed, as it can be adjusted throughout the procedure.
Your healthcare provider will administer the sedative medications directly into your bloodstream through an IV. If you have recently undergone dental treatment with sedation, it may take up to 24 hours for the effects to wear off completely. Sedation dentistry can help those who are anxious or scared of going to the dentist get the care they need for their long-term oral health.
