Mild Oral Sedation

The Difference Between Oral and IV Sedation

Oral sedation is taken in the form of a pill, while IV sedation is taken intravenously. This form of sedation is recommended for those who don’t have an intense fear of the dentist. It’s also ideal for patients who aren’t undergoing lengthy procedures. It takes a little longer for the effects of oral sedation to kick in, which is why we give it to you an hour before your appointment.

Another significant difference is that you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment if you’re taking an oral sedative. The effects will make you feel out of it, so ensure that you have a responsible adult to bring you to our Jupiter location.

What are the Advantages of Oral Sedation?

Mild oral sedation provides numerous benefits for patients. Besides helping you feel more relaxed during your treatment, you might notice some of the other advantages:

• Easy administration
• No need for needles
• Little to no memory of the treatment
• You’re still responsive

What to Expect

When you take an oral sedative, you can expect to feel drowsy but relaxed. You won’t be fully asleep, so you can still answer questions and respond to requests. Some patients may also feel groggy or in a “dream state” while under oral sedation. This may lead you to forget what happened during the procedure once the medication wears off.

Patients typically stop feeling the effects of their oral sedatives after a few hours, which is why having someone to take you to and from the appointment is crucial. They should also be able to explain the dentist’s instructions once you’re back in your right state of mind.