After Your Sedation
You received sedation to keep you comfortable and relaxed during your treatment. The medication takes time to fully wear off, so the rest of today is about resting and letting it clear your system safely. Here is what you and your caregiver need to know.
The Rest Of Today
- Do not drive or operate any machinery for the rest of the day.
- Have a responsible adult with you for at least the first several hours.
- Rest and take it easy. No work, no strenuous activity, and no important decisions today.
Eating & Drinking
- Start with water and light foods once you feel steady, then ease back to normal.
- Drink plenty of fluids as the sedation wears off.
- No alcohol for 24 hours, it does not mix with the sedation medication.
What To Expect
- Drowsiness, grogginess, or fuzzy memory of the appointment is normal and wears off.
- A little unsteadiness at first, move slowly and have help standing up.
- Take your medications (including any for the procedure itself) as we directed.
- You will feel back to normal by tomorrow in almost all cases.
Call Us If
- Trouble breathing, chest pain, or severe vomiting. Call 911.
- You cannot be woken easily or are extremely difficult to rouse.
- Severe or persistent dizziness, confusion, or a reaction that worries you.
- Any concern about how you are recovering from the sedation.
Taking It Easy Today
The sedation that kept you comfortable needs the rest of the day to fully clear. Giving yourself that time is all it takes to recover smoothly.
- Rest at home with someone around, and skip driving, work, and decisions until tomorrow.
- Ease back into food and fluids, and avoid alcohol for 24 hours.
- Follow the care instructions for the dental procedure itself, which are covered on its own sheet.
Rest up today and you will be back to yourself tomorrow!
Questions or concerns after your sedation? Call the office anytime. We are here for you!
