There are several levels of sedation, and apart from general anaesthesia (a deep level of sleep), patients remain awake and able to respond to the dentist. Most patients assume they have been asleep—even with milder sedation because they rarely remember anything about the procedure.

• Minimal sedation is the mildest form of sleep dentistry. It is administered as oxygen and nitrous oxide (laughing or happy gas). Oakleigh Smiles dentists often use this form of sedation as it works quickly, relaxing patients and making them feel sleepy and euphoric. It wears off quickly, too – with no ill effects so that patients can drive themselves home afterwards.
• Moderate sedation is what most people know by the term conscious sedation. It may be administered in the form of a tablet taken orally or as IV sedation through a tiny catheter in the back of the hand.
• Deep sedation (general anaesthesia) places patients on the brink of unconsciousness and can be administered through a face mask or  IV sedation. Oakleigh Smiles dentists are committed to ensuring that patients are given the most appropriate type and level of sedation that works for them.

It depends on the nature of your sedation. For happy gas, Oakleigh patients should note that while it should be fine to eat beforehand, it may cause nausea for some. If you do need to eat, make it a light meal.

For iv sedation, Oakleigh dentists recommend that patients eat nothing after midnight on the day before their procedure; the same applies if they have general anaesthesia. At Oakleigh Smiles, we will give patients full instructions about the do’s and don’ts of eating and drinking prior to receiving sleep dentistry.

It depends on what kind of dental sedation you have had. Laughing gas wears off quickly, and you may be able to drive yourself home. With other forms of sedation, including tablets, IV sedation and general anaesthetic, you will need someone to drive you as it takes some time for the drowsiness to wear off.