Care after Conscious Sedation/Sleep Dentistry

Many patients opt to undergo their periodontal surgery under conscious sedation, also known as sleep dentistry.

Recovery from the medications administered by one of our Registered Nurse\’s takes several hours and during this time you must be accompanied by a care-giver to ensure your safety.

To care for your companion after dental surgery under sedation, please follow these steps:

PLAN AHEAD

Time Off: The effects of sedation may last up to 12 hours after completion of the surgery and it is important for the caregiver not to leave them unattended throughout this period.

Meal Planning: Have nutritious foods readily available in your kitchen for the patient\’s temporary soft food diet.

Comfort and Cleanliness: The sedation medication used will cause the patient to feel groggy and we suggest they sleep in freshly washed sheets and pillowcases.

Medications: Any prescriptions should be filled and picked up before taking the patient home.  If you prefer, we can call the prescription into the patient\’s pharmacy and they may have it delivered to your home in many cases.

Transportation: If the patient is larger than you, you may require some assistance in transporting them from the car to their bed.  Arrange assistance from a friend or neighbour in advance.

THE DAY OF

– The effects of sedation will make the patient appear \”drunk\”.  Assist them from the car and as they walk to their bed where they will most likely sleep for the rest of the day.

– It is best to avoid as many stairs as possible, this may require setting up a temporary sleeping area on the main floor of your home in advance.

– If the patient has a procedure where gauze is required, ensure that it is only applied when the patient is awake.  They should not sleep with gauze on the healing site.

 IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS

– Do not allow the patient to drive for 24 hours

– Do not allow the patient to use electronic devices or the phone.  Do not allow the patient to work, sign document, shop online, or make any important decisions for 24 hours.

The sedation medication has an amnesiac effect; therefore, the patient may or may not have any memory of their experiences over the next 12-24 hours.

Thank you in advance for being a helpful caregiver.