What are the different types of sedation?
Dr. Prokopets offers three different types of sedation:
- Oral Sedation: She will prescribe you a medication to be taken the night before and the morning of your surgery
- Oral Sedation plus “Laughing Gas”: She will prescribe you a medication to be taken the night before and the morning of your surgery, in addition to nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” that will be used during your procedure. If you choose this option, someone will need to drive you to and from our office.
- “Twilight” IV Sedation: You will be given an IV through which relaxing medications will be delivered during your procedure. In this case, someone will need to drive you to and from our office.
What can I expect with IV or “Twilight” Sedation?
To prepare, you will be instructed not to eat or drink anything for up to 8 hours before your surgery. You are able to brush your teeth the morning of and take any prescribed medications with a small sip of water.
When you arrive at Dr. Prokopets’ office, her wonderful surgical assistant will oversee your entire visit from start to finish and ensure you are comfortable. Once your procedure is about to begin, you will be given in IV through which relaxing medications will be delivered. Many describe the feeling similar to having 2 glasses of wine! Once you are relaxed, the procedure will begin. Most patients do not remember the procedure and tolerate IV sedation very well.
What happens after I leave the office?
After your procedure, you will need to home to rest. It typically takes around 24 hours for the sedation medication to leave your body. During this time, you will most likely want to sleep. Rest is best during this time. Please take caution when walking. You will not be able to drive or operate any machinery or motor vehicle for 24 hours. In addition, you will not be able to legally sign any documents during this time.
If you are interested in learning more about how to make your visit more relaxing or you are someone with high dental anxiety, call the office or make an appointment online today to see Dr. Eugenia Prokopets in her practice in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
