How long does it take to recover from dental sedation?

Are you worried about undergoing sedation for dental procedures? This method can actually help you stay calm during surgeries. Whether you need a minor filling or more extensive treatments, sedation can improve your experience. You must understand the recovery timeline for a smooth post-procedure experience. Several factors can influence the duration of your recovery time.

Read this blog to discover the different methods of sedation, their effects, and how long you need to feel normal.

What Are The Different Types of Sedation?

The dentist will choose the method depending on the complexity of your dental procedure and your overall health. Here are some popular methods:

Laughing Gas 

Nitrous oxide or laughing gas is a form of sedative that you must inhale through a mask. This method is perfect for you if you have mild anxiety or have to undergo a simple procedure. You can recover from this within minutes after turning off the gas supply.

Oral Sedatives

In this process, you have to take prescribed medication, such as diazepam, prior to your appointment. This method can help you reach a deeper state of relaxation, with the effect lingering for 6-12 hours. You do need extended rest to recover completely.

Intravenous Sedatives

The intravenous method can deliver the sedatives directly into your bloodstream, allowing the dentist to adjust the dosage as needed. This method will completely take away your consciousness and is used for complex dental procedures.

General Anesthesia 

General anesthesia induces a state of unconsciousness and is typically reserved for extensive procedures. You need 24-48 hours or longer to recover from its effects. An anesthesiologist will usually assist the dentist during this treatment.

What Other Factors Affect Your Recovery Time?

Here are some factors that can influence the speed of your recovery after undergoing sedation dentistry in Greer:

• Stronger sedatives will naturally take longer to wear off compared to milder sedatives like oral pills and laughing gas.
• Older adults or people with chronic conditions might need longer to recover after undergoing this dental procedure.
• If you received a high dose, then you will need extended recovery times.
• If you underwent a prolonged and complex treatment, you need proper rest to recover from the effects of sedation.
• Each person’s body will process the drugs differently, affecting how quickly the effects wear off.

How To Recover Quickly After Dental Sedation?

Here are some tips to help you recover after undergoing this dental treatment:

• Have someone drive you home and stay with you for the first fee hours to ensure your safety and comfort.
• You must follow the specific guidelines given by the dentist regarding medication, eating, and activity levels.
• Drink plenty of water and eat soft foods to remove the lingering drugs from your system and protect your oral health after the surgery.
• Wait until you are fully recovered to perform any hard, strenuous activities.
• Getting plenty of rest to help your body heal efficiently and speed up the recovery,

The recovery time from dental sedation is dependent on the method used to relax you, your health, and other factors. While some options offer very fast recovery, other methods, such as general anesthesia, might require longer periods of rest and supervision. Follow the post-procedure instructions to avoid any complications.

Are you ready to get rid of dental anxiety? Contact us today for consultation.