Dental Sedation Pre-Visit Instructions

This Is What You Should Do Before Your Dental Appointment

If you’re planning for a dental sedation appointment—whether it involves nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, or IV sedation—preparing beforehand is essential for a positive experience. Follow these pre-visit instructions to ensure a comfortable and successful sedation dentistry session.

Fasting Instructions

• No Food or Drink for 6 Hours Before: To prevent any potential complications with sedation, avoid eating or drinking for at least 6 hours prior to your appointment. For morning appointments, this means no food or liquids after midnight the night before.

Medication Guidelines

• Continue Regular Medications: Take your regular medications as usual unless your dentist or doctor advises otherwise. Inform your dentist if there have been any recent changes in your medication or health status to avoid potential interactions.

Transportation Arrangements

• Plan for a Ride Home: Sedation effects can linger for 2-6 hours. A responsible adult should drive you home and stay with you after the appointment. Avoid driving, public transit, or walking home on your own.

Oral Hygiene Preparation

A clean mouth before your sedation appointment is beneficial. Here are some recommendations:

• Brush Twice Daily: Brush your teeth at least twice daily—once in the morning and once before bed. Ideally, brush after every meal to maintain clean teeth.
• Rinse with Water or Mouthwash: If brushing isn’t possible after a meal, rinse your mouth with water or an antibacterial mouthwash, such as Crest Gum Care Mouthwash, to reduce plaque and bacteria.
• Consider Upgrading Your Toothbrush: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, such as the Curaprox CS5460 Ultra Soft, to gently clean your teeth. You may also consider an electric toothbrush like the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 for a more thorough clean.
• Floss Daily: Daily flossing is crucial to remove particles around the gums. GUM ButlerWeave Dental Floss is highly recommended, or try dental flossers and interdental brushes if string floss is challenging.
• Use a Water Flosser: A water flosser can effectively flush out debris missed by regular flossing. The Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser is an excellent choice.
• Use Gum Care Mouthwash and Toothpaste: Consider Crest Pro-Health Gum Detoxify toothpaste to support gum health, along with a daily antibacterial mouthwash.

Pain Management (If Necessary)

If you experience discomfort or want pain relief on hand, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) are usually safe. Consult your dentist for proper dosage recommendations, but a typical combination of 1000mg acetaminophen and 600mg ibuprofen every 4-6 hours as needed can be effective.

Choosing Comfortable Clothing

• Dress Comfortably: Wear loose, comfortable clothing with an open collar to your appointment. Darker colors can help hide any potential staining.
• Minimal Makeup: Avoid heavy makeup, high heels, colored/gel nail polish, and jewelry, especially piercings in the lip, tongue, or nose.
• Remove Contacts: If you wear contact lenses, consider using glasses for the appointment.

Entertainment Options

• Bring Headphones: To help you relax, feel free to bring headphones and listen to calming music or your favorite podcast.

Review Post-Visit Instructions

Before your appointment, take a moment to review the dental sedation post-visit instructions. Familiarizing yourself with the recovery steps in advance will help ensure a smooth recovery.

Have Questions?

If you have additional questions about your upcoming dental sedation, please contact us. Our team is here to help you feel prepared and confident for your visit.