Sedation Instructions

Pre-Sedation Instructions

APPOINTMENT CHECKLIST

  • Your oral conscious sedation prescription is for Halcion. 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. 
  • 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.  
  • Consuming caffeine will limit your level of sedation (coffee, tea, caffeinated soft drinks, etc).
  • Nothing to eat or drink 6 hours prior to 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 (Motrin/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.