Relax and Heal: Understanding Dental Sedation and How to Prepare for a Calm Experience
Feeling nervous about an upcoming dental procedure? You’re not alone. At Lotus Dental Wellness, we understand that dental anxiety is real and we’re here to help you feel comfortable, calm, and cared for. Modern dental sedation allows you to relax or even sleep through your procedure safely, so your treatment feels stress-free and easy to recover from.
Let’s walk through the types of dental sedation available and what to expect if you’re preparing for oral, IV, or general anesthesia.
Types of Dental Sedation
Local Anesthetic (Numbing Shot)
This numbs only the area being treated, keeping you fully awake and comfortable. It’s commonly used for fillings, crowns, and other routine procedures.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
This mild sedative helps you feel relaxed and a little light or happy during your visit. It wears off quickly, so you can usually drive yourself home afterward.
Oral Sedation (Relaxing Pill)
Taken before your appointment, oral sedation helps calm your nerves and makes you feel drowsy but relaxed. You’ll still be awake and able to respond, but you’ll need a driver to and from your appointment.
IV Sedation (Twilight Sedation)
Administered through an IV, this allows your dental team to adjust your level of sedation during the procedure. Many patients nap and remember little or nothing afterward. A driver is required, and recovery time varies.
General Anesthesia (Fully Asleep)
Used for complex or surgical procedures, general anesthesia allows you to sleep deeply while your vitals are closely monitored. You’ll need a driver and someone to stay with you afterward.
Preparing for Your Sedation Appointment
If you’re scheduled for oral, IV, or general sedation, preparation is key to ensuring your comfort and safety. Here’s what to do before your visit:
Two Weeks Before
Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice, which can interfere with how sedation medications are processed by your body.
Two Days Before
Stay hydrated! Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of clear fluids in addition to your normal drinks.
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
The Day Before and Day Of Your Appointment
No food for 8 hours before your visit.
Clear liquids (like water, herbal tea, or clear juice without pulp) are OK up to 4–8 hours before. No dairy or creamy drinks.
Take all normal prescribed medications unless told otherwise, with only a sip of water.
If you have asthma, remember to bring your inhaler.
No cannabis use the night before or the day of your procedure, it can interfere with sedation medications.
Day of Sedation: What to Bring and Expect
You must have a responsible adult (18 or older) to drive you to and from your appointment.
Your driver should remain within 30 minutes of the office and stay with you for the next 24 hours.
Cabs, rideshares, or public transit are not allowed.
Avoid driving, signing legal documents, or operating machinery for 24 hours.
What to Wear
Loose-fitting, short-sleeve shirt, we’ll need access to your upper arm.
Remove nail polish or acrylic nails from both index fingers.
No pantyhose, ponytails, buns, lipstick, or heavy makeup (they interfere with monitors).
Wear low-heeled shoes for safety when leaving.
Remove contact lenses, jewelry, dentures, or tongue/lip piercings before surgery.
Medication and Healing Support
Antibiotic Premedication
If your dentist prescribed antibiotics (for heart conditions or joint replacements), take them 1 hour before surgery with a small sip of water. These are required for your safety and healing not optional.
Recommended for Healing
StellaLife Oral Care Recovery Kit
A natural, clinically tested system to reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling after dental procedures. Includes a rinse, spray, and topical gel that help minimize the need for opioids or steroids.
DentaMedica Recovery Program
A 6-week vitamin and mineral supplement plan that enhances healing and recovery. It supports your immune system and boosts antioxidant levels before and after surgery.
Your Comfort Is Our Priority
At Lotus Dental Wellness, we combine advanced technology with a gentle, holistic approach to care. Whether you choose nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation, our experienced team ensures your safety, comfort, and peace of mind from start to finish.
You deserve a healthy, confident smile, and a calm, healing experience along the way.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
(503)684-4174
om@lotusdentalwellness.com