Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation helps you relax without using a needle or IV tube. For this method, you’ll take a pill roughly an hour before your appointment. By the time you arrive for your implant surgery, you’ll feel a calming sensation that will relieve your anxiety and allow you to feel comfortable in the dental chair.
Though many patients assume that sedation means being put to sleep, you’ll actually remain conscious and responsive throughout your implant placement. However, you’ll have little to no memory of the procedure after it’s finished. Dr. Shlafer will continually monitor your vital signs while you’re sedated to ensure your safety.
The medication we use for oral conscious sedation begins to take effect before you reach our office, and the effects can linger for a couple of hours after your surgery. As a result, you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from our office.
IV Sedation
IV sedation involves administering medications directly into your bloodstream through an IV tube. With this method, you’ll begin to feel the effects within minutes. Much like oral conscious sedation, you’ll remain awake and able to follow Dr. Shlafer’s instructions, though you won’t remember the procedure after your implants are placed.
Dr. Shlafer doesn’t perform IV sedation himself, but we have a licensed anesthesiologist on call to assist any patients who choose this option. Since IV sedation doesn’t need to be administered in advance, you can drive to your appointment. However, you’ll still need a ride home for the sake of caution.
Ask Dr. Shlafer About Sedation
If you’re anxious about your upcoming dental implant surgery, contact our practice in Farmington Hills, MI and ask to speak with Dr. Shlafer about sedation. He’ll be happy to answer all your questions and explain your options in further detail.