Oral conscious Sedation

Dr. Merchant is licensed by the dental board of the state of California to provide Adult Oral Conscious Sedation.  Sedation dentistry is a solution for patients who are afraid of the dentist, have anxiety about dentistry, are claustrophobic or have a severe gag reflex. Dr. Merchant helps patients feel as comfortable as possible using well established and proven protocols with a variety of sedation medications administered orally and sublingually (under the tongue). These protocols can be customized for the patient’s individual emotional and physical needs.

Sedatives help relax patients by slowing the action of the central nervous system. People remain aware of their surroundings, but are less responsive to external stimuli such as the sound of the drill or the smell of materials.

PRE-SEDATION INSTRUCTIONS

APPOINTMENT CHECKLIST

You have been given two medications to take prior to your appointment.
The first prescription is for Diazepam. You are to take one tablet (5mg total) thirty minutes before bedtime the night prior to appointment. This will help you get a restful night’s sleep.
The second prescription is for Triazolam. You are to take one tablet (0.25mg) 1 hour before your appointment on an empty stomach the morning of your appointment. After arriving at our office you will be monitored and your level of sedation will be evaluated. If necessary, additional medication will be administered.  As was discussed during your consultation, a driver will be needed to take you to and from your appointment.

You cannot take these medications if you could be pregnant.  

Smokers:
Nicotine levels in your blood will affect your sedation experience
• Less than ½ pack a day? Refrain from smoking for 12 hours
• ½ – full pack a day? Refrain from smoking for 8 hours
• ½ packs a day? Refrain from smoking for 4 hours
• More than 1 ½ packs a day? Smoke right before coming to the office

No Alcohol or Narcotic drugs: 
We cannot safely sedate you if you have consumed alcohol, narcotics of any type (including Vicodin/Hydrocodone) or any street or recreational drugs.

No Grapefruit Juice or Caffeine for 12 hours:
Consuming caffeine will limit your level of sedation (coffee, tea, caffeinated soft drinks, etc).

Nothing to eat or drink after midnight.
Wear light-weight comfortable clothing, preferably with short sleeves.
Wear comfortable shoes and socks.
Do not operate heavy equipment and/or drive after taking your Valium the night before your appointment.
It is absolutely essential that your escort drives you to/from your appointment. We will not be able to proceed with your appointment if you drive yourself.
Your driver will need instructions, so please have him/her speak with the dental team before dropping you off. Your driver is welcome to remain here during your sedation visit.

POST-SEDATION INSTRUCTIONS

FOR COMPANION & PATIENT

  • Patient Cannot drive for 24 hours after taking sedation medication, or operate any hazardous devices or heavy equipment for 24 hours.
  • A Responsible person should remain with the patient until he/she has fully recovered from the effects of sedation.
  • Patient should not go up/down stairs unattended. Let the patient stay on the ground floor until recovered.
  • Having nutrition after sedation is important. The patient should begin eating appropriate foods as soon as possible. Avoid anything sticky or excessively chewy until final restoration is completed by their dentist. Avoid hot foods/drinks until numbness wears off.
  • Patient needs to drink plenty of fluids as soon as possible.
  • Patient may seem alert when he/she leaves. This may be misleading so do not leave the patient alone.
  • Always hold the patient’s arm when walking.
  • Call us if you have any questions or difficulties. If you feel that your symptoms warrant a physician and you are unable to reach us, go to the closest emergency room immediately.
  • Patient should not carry, sleep next to, or be alone with young children for a period of no less than 24 hours after the last dosage of medication.

Following most surgical procedures, there may or may not be pain, depending on your threshold for pain. In most cases, a non-narcotic pain regimen will be given consisting of Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Advil). These two medications, taken together, will be as effective as a narcotic without any of the side effects associated with narcotics. If a narcotic has been prescribed, follow the directions carefully. If you have any questions about these medications interacting with other medications you are presently taking, please call our office and/or your pharmacist.