Sedation Options
Feeling at ease during oral surgery can make a meaningful difference in your experience. Our practice offers a range of sedation options, so the level of care matches the procedure and the way you’d like to feel throughout it.
Why Sedation Might Be Recommended
Sedation isn’t only for patients who feel anxious about their procedure. It can also be the right choice for longer or more involved surgeries, for patients with a strong gag reflex, or for those with certain medical conditions that benefit from added comfort during treatment.
We may recommend sedation if you:
- Have dental anxiety or have had a difficult experience in the past
- Are scheduled for a complex or lengthy procedure
- Have a strong gag reflex or a medical condition that calls for added support
- Simply want to feel calm and relaxed during your visit
The right option depends on the procedure and your personal preferences, both of which we’ll discuss during your consultation.
Your Sedation Options
There are several levels of sedation available, ranging from mild relaxation to a fully asleep state. Dr. Erakat will help you choose the one that best fits your needs.
Numbs the treatment area only. You remain fully awake and aware. Often used for routine or minor procedures.
Also known as laughing gas. A light form of sedation that helps you feel relaxed while staying awake and responsive. The effects wear off quickly, so you can usually drive yourself home afterward.
A medication taken before your appointment that helps you feel drowsy and at ease. You’ll still be able to respond to instructions, but most patients feel deeply relaxed throughout the procedure.
Delivered through an IV, this option creates a calm, twilight state where most patients remember little or none of the procedure. Often the right fit for moderate to severe anxiety or longer surgeries.
A fully asleep state, used for extensive cases or in a hospital setting when appropriate. Vital signs are closely monitored throughout.
A Closer Look at IV Sedation
IV sedation is one of the most common options for patients who want a deeper level of relaxation during their procedure. It works quickly, and Dr. Erakat can adjust the level of sedation precisely throughout treatment.
Most patients describe the experience as restful. Many have little or no memory of the procedure itself, which can make future visits feel easier too. Because Dr. Erakat holds both a DMD and an MD, he’s specifically trained to administer IV sedation safely in-office, with continuous monitoring of heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure.
Preparing for Your Sedation Appointment
You’ll receive clear instructions before your procedure, including when to stop eating or drinking, which medications to pause, and what to wear. If you’re receiving anything stronger than local anesthesia, you’ll also need a trusted adult to drive you home and stay with you afterward.
During the procedure, you’ll be monitored continuously. After it’s over, you’ll rest in a recovery area until you’re cleared to head home, with simple aftercare instructions to follow as the sedation wears off.
Schedule a Consultation
The best way to learn which sedation option is right for you is a conversation with Dr. Erakat. He’ll review your medical history, talk through your procedure, and recommend the approach that fits both your treatment and your comfort.
Common Questions About Sedation
A few of the questions patients ask most when considering sedation.
That depends on the procedure, your medical history, and your personal preference. For shorter or simpler treatments, local anesthesia or nitrous oxide may be all that’s needed. For more involved surgeries, or for patients who’d benefit from a deeper level of relaxation, IV sedation is often the right choice. Dr. Erakat will walk you through the options at your consultation and recommend what’s best.
Once the sedation takes effect, you’ll feel relaxed and detached from the procedure. Depending on the type used, you may remain awake and responsive or drift into a light sleep. Throughout the procedure, our team monitors your vital signs continuously to keep you safe. Most patients are surprised by how quickly time seems to pass.
The most common side effects are mild and short-lived, including drowsiness, a slight headache, or feeling a bit groggy as the medication wears off. Some patients also experience mild nausea, which usually passes within a few hours. Dr. Erakat will go over what to expect based on the type of sedation you receive, and you’ll have clear aftercare guidance to follow.