Sedation day
What the day looks like, hour by hour
You will know each step before it happens. Nothing begins until you have heard the risks and said yes.
Plan on most of a half day. Your dentist's office keeps its usual hours; we arrive early to set up and leave after you have gone home with your escort.
What to bring and wear
Arrive with a responsible adult
Bring your list of medicines
Wear loose clothing with short sleeves
Leave jewelry and contact lenses at home
The day, in order
Step by step
- 01
Step 1: The call
Dr. Faison or a nurse reviews your history and your medicines. Tell us about every medicine, supplement and allergy, and anything that has gone wrong with anesthesia before.
- 02
Step 2: Fasting
We give you exact instructions in writing for your visit. Fasting matters because sedation can relax the reflexes that protect your airway. If you eat when you should not, we move the day.
- 03
Step 3: Your escort
A responsible adult brings you, stays at the office and takes you home. Rideshares or taxis do not count unless someone rides with you.
- 04
Step 4: Arrival and consent
We check your vital signs and the instructions, answer your questions and review the risks. You sign consent after that, not before.
- 05
Step 5: Treatment
Dr. Faison gives the sedation and watches your heart rate, breathing, oxygen level and blood pressure the whole time. Your dentist does the dental work.
- 06
Step 6: Recovery
A nurse stays with you while the medicine wears off. We send you home when Dr. Faison says you are ready, not before.
At home
The rest of the day, and the next
Stay with your escort
Rest for the day. Do not drive, work, drink alcohol or make important decisions until the next morning.
Eat lightly, then normally
Start with water and soft food unless your dentist says otherwise.
We call you tomorrow
A nurse checks how you are, answers questions and tells your dentist if anything needs a look.
When to call
Call our line if you are unusually drowsy, sick or unsure. If you have trouble breathing, chest pain or cannot be woken, call 911.
What sedation cannot promise
Sedation helps most patients relax, and it does not remove every sensation or promise a particular experience. Some people feel nauseated or groggy afterward. Rare problems with breathing or the heart can happen, which is why we monitor you throughout and carry emergency equipment.
Dr. Faison explains the risks that apply to you before you decide. If you would rather have a different approach, we will help your dentist plan one.
Ready to plan a day?
Your dentist can book it with us, or you can call and we will start from there.