How to Prepare for Sedation Dentistry – Hillsboro, OR

Preparing for Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is an excellent option for patients who struggle with dental-related phobias or need certain treatments. For over 20 years, Dr. Kalluri has provided personalized services catering to each patient’s needs. She is specially trained in sedation dentistry to offer nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation.

Dr. Kalluri will discuss your needs during your initial consultation to ensure sedation dentistry is right for you. She’ll take the time to explain each option and what you can expect before, during, and after your appointment. In the meantime, here’s how you can prepare for your upcoming procedure:

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, better known as “laughing gas,” is an inhaled sedative that’s delivered through a mask worn over the nose. The sedative takes effect quickly and dissipates just as suddenly, so many patients can drive themselves home from their appointment. Although you’ll feel normal before the end of the day, Dr. Kalluri has a few tips to help prepare for your procedure:

• Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight before the night of your procedure, unless Dr. Kalluri has given you special instructions, such as for patients who have diabetes.
• Remove all oral and facial jewelry before your appointment.
• Leave any valuables at home.
• Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing and shoes.
• Don’t wear your contact lenses to your appointment.
• Arrange for a family member or friend to stay with you for the remainder of the day.
• If you have asthma, bring your rescue inhaler with you to your appointment.
• Leave your mobile devices outside of the surgical area.
• Bring your dental insurance cards to your appointment.

Oral Conscious

Oral conscious sedation is a prescribed medication taken before your procedure. It’s effective for treating mild-to-moderate dental anxieties while also decreasing any possible discomfort from certain procedures. It can take several hours for the effects of the sedative to dissipate, so you’ll need to spend a little extra time preparing for your appointment to make the day of your treatment a bit easier. Dr. Kalluri recommends you:

• Avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 6 hours before your appointment, unless otherwise instructed by Dr. Kalluri.
• Get a good night’s rest.
• Arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
• Take the entire day off work.
• Remove all jewelry and leave your valuables at home.
• Wear loose fitting clothing and comfortable foods.
• Prepare your meals ahead of time.
• Fill any prescriptions before your appointment.
• Plan to spend the remainder of the day relaxing at home.

If you have a question or concern about sedation dentistry, a member of our team is only a phone call away. Contact our office today to learn more about your options.