Taking an oral sedative prescribed by our doctors helps to relieve anxiety about the procedure, makes the time go by quickly, and in some individuals induces a light sleep. You will be conscious, breathing on your own, and likely have memory of the procedure. Our doctors describe the effects of this medication like “taking an anxiety medication before getting on a plane… you know you’re getting on the plane but you feel calmer about it.” If you elect this option you can eat normally that morning but you will need a driver to drop you off and pick you up and you cannot drive for 24 hours. Our doctors and expert sedation staff will monitor your vitals during your appointment to ensure your health and safety. It is also important to note that this medication affects everyone differently and its effects cannot be predicted by our doctors. Some patients feel calmer but are alert while others may sleep through the procedure.

For Twilight Sedation Dr. Easley will place an IV and titrate you into a dream-like, but safe level, of conscious sedation. You will be conscious, breathing on your own, and in a profound level of relaxation. Most patients experience light to moderate sleep and have little to no memory of the procedure. With IV sedation, our doctor has more control over your sedation than with oral sedation and can administer an optimal amount of medication to make you comfortable while keeping you safe. If you elect this option please hydrate fully 2 days prior to your appointment, but no eating or drinking 6 hours before your procedure (You can take normal medications with a small sip of water). You will need a driver to come and stay with you and you cannot drive for 24 hours. Dr. Easley and our expert sedation staff will monitor your vitals during your appointment to ensure your health and safety. It is also important to note that sedation medications affect everyone differently and every patient’s experience differs slightly.

For patients desiring a deeper level of sedation, our office provides this service through our partnership with a licensed and caring dental anesthesiologist group. These specialists will come to our office the day of your appointment and provide the level of sedation you need. Hospital grade equipment and programs are used providing you continuous care and monitoring to ensure your safe and comfortable experience. If you elect this option please eat and drink normally for the two days prior to your appointment, but no eating or drinking for 6 hours before your procedure. You will need a driver to bring you to your appointment, stay with you for 24 hours after your appointment, and you cannot drive during that 24 hour recovery. 

Sedation is an individual decision unique to that patient. Some people choose it because of a strong gag reflex or because they dislike long procedures, others choose it because of fear/anxiety, and many patients elect none at all and enjoy conversing with our team during their procedure. It is entirely elective in our office and we are happy to treat you with whatever you decide is right for you.

We are happy to review sedation options with you at your consultation and give you time to think about it. We ask that you let us know 7 days in advance so we can ensure we’ve planned adequate time for your procedure.

Most plans do not cover sedation; however, our insurance team is happy to help you navigate your benefits to find out!