If you fear the dentist, then this infographic is for you. Here's what to know before undergoing dental oral sedation!

1. CHOOSING
ORAL SEDATION
While some patients prefer IV sedation, oral sedation has
become the more popular choice to relieve dental anxiety. If
you’re interested in dental sedation follow this Oral
Sedation Dentistry Checklist to help you prepare for your
next appointment!
Don’t let dental anxiety keep you from visiting the dentist.
Talk to your dentist to see if oral sedation is right for you
and keep these tips in mind for your next appointment so you
can stay fear free!
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Be Prepared to Take
Time Off Work
Review Health History
with Your Dentist
Most dentist will allow you to take the pill yourself the night before your
appointment. If that’s the case, you want to give yourself plenty of time
to rest. Make sure not to eat or drink anything at least six hours before
your appointment unless you’ve been given permission by your dentist.
Depending on how long the procedure is, you will want to
prepare to take at least half a day or in some cases a whole day
off of work to fully recover.
Not sure if oral sedation is right for you? If you’re experiencing any of
these symptoms you may qualify:
Make sure to be transparent about your overall health history and
let your dentist know what medications you are currently taking.
Stay away from taking other depressents or consuming alcohol prior
to your appointment as it can alter the effectiveness of the
medication. If you’re smoking or diabetic, it may affect your
arrangements before or after your appointment.
Make Transportation
Arrangements
If you take medication the night before, you’re going to feel
groggy before and after the appointment. You will most likely not
be cognitively aware enough to drive, so make sure you’ve made
arrangements with a friend or family member to get you to and
from the dentist.
• Having a feeling of extreme fear of the dentist
• Having a strong gag reflex
• Not being able to stay still in the dental chair because of anxiety
• Having a high tolerance to numbing medication like novocaine or local anesthetics
• Patients who are afraid of needles and do not want to be IV sedated
• Repeatedly canceling dentist appointments
• Patients needing a series of treatments done in one visit
Is Oral Sedation Right For You?