How Long Does Sedation Dentistry Last?

If you experience dental anxiety, are scheduled for a lengthy procedure such as dental implants or a smile makeover, or want to feel more relaxed during minor therapy, sedation dentistry is an excellent solution. That said, sedation dentistry is new to many patients who may be unsure of what they can expect.

The specifics will vary depending on the type of anesthetic you receive. We offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation (sometimes called “twilight” sedation). Rest assured that Washington D.C. prosthodontist Dr. Gerald Marlin will discuss the particulars during your next appointment. In the meantime, here are some general things to know about sedation dentistry:

• Before sedation: Eating breakfast or lunch before your appointment will help maintain normal blood sugar levels. Only eat if you know that you will be given nitrous oxide or oral sedation. Do not eat before receiving IV sedation. And keep in mind that it is important to take your routine medications.
   
• During sedation: Sedation dentistry is designed to put you in a very calm and comfortable state. Patients often report feeling like their procedure was completed in a few minutes — when it may have taken several hours. You will not encounter any pain during this time.
   
• After sedation: The effects of sedation dentistry can fade within minutes or stay in your system for hours. This duration is determined by the type of sedation you receive. It can take 24-48 hours for the medications used in IV sedation to fully exit your system. Because of that, you will need to arrange a ride home. Getting plenty of rest after a sedation procedure will help ensure a quick recovery.

Experience Pain-Free Dentistry in Washington, D.C.

Prosthetic Dentistry of Washington D.C. is your destination for world-class dental and patient care. Dr. Gerald Marlin is a leading specialist in implant, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry in the Washington D.C. Metro Area. And patients of our practice enjoy access to our in-house dental laboratory, where we handcraft all our dental restorations for the best look and fit — with minimal wait time.

Ready to learn more about receiving sedation during cosmetic or restorative dental work? Call 202-244-2101 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Marlin. We proudly serve patients from Washington D.C., Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Arlington, and nearby areas of Maryland and Virginia.