Moderate Sedation (Oral Sedation) in Auburn, ME
Sedation dentistry helps patients feel calm, comfortable, and relaxed during dental procedures. At Taylor Brook Dental Associates, moderate sedation – also known as oral sedation – involves taking a prescribed pill before your appointment to reach a deeper level of relaxation. You’ll remain awake and able to respond to our team, but you’ll feel very calm and drowsy throughout treatment, and many patients have little to no memory of the procedure afterward.
Book OnlineHow Moderate Oral Sedation Works
Oral sedation offers a deeper level of relaxation than nitrous oxide without putting you fully to sleep, as with deep sedation. Before your appointment, we’ll prescribe a sedative medication and give you clear instructions on when to take it. By the time your treatment begins, you’ll feel relaxed, drowsy, and at ease. We’ll still numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic to keep you completely comfortable.
Experience: Deeper relaxation with little to no memory of the procedure.
Best For: Patients with moderate anxiety or those having longer dental procedures.
Note: A driver or escort is required after oral sedation.
Is Moderate Sedation Right for You?
Oral sedation may be a great fit if you:
- Feel nervous or anxious about dental visits
- Find that nitrous oxide alone isn’t enough to help you relax
- Are scheduled for a longer procedure
- Have a sensitive gag reflex
- Want to remember little about your treatment
Treatments That Pair Well With Oral Sedation
Moderate sedation is commonly used for root canal treatment, tooth extractions, crowns and bridges, dental implants, and veneers. It’s also helpful for anxious patients who need several fillings or other restorative work completed in one visit.
Preparing for Your Appointment
We’ll review your medical history and medications to make sure oral sedation is safe for you. Follow all instructions about when to take your medication and whether to avoid food beforehand. Wear comfortable clothing, and arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from your appointment.
After Your Appointment
You may feel drowsy for several hours after treatment. Plan to rest at home for the remainder of the day, and avoid driving, operating machinery, or making important decisions until the medication has fully worn off.
Explore all of our options on our sedation dentistry page, or call Taylor Brook Dental Associates at (207) 784-1577 to talk with our team about oral sedation.
Moderate Sedation FAQs
Will I be awake during oral sedation?
Yes. You’ll remain awake and able to respond to verbal cues, but you’ll feel very relaxed and drowsy, and you may remember little about the procedure.
Do I need someone to drive me after oral sedation?
Yes. A driver or escort is required after oral sedation, since the medication can affect your alertness and coordination for several hours.
How long does oral sedation last?
The effects typically last several hours. Most patients feel back to normal by the next day.
Will I still get a numbing shot?
Yes. Oral sedation helps you relax, and we still use local anesthetic to numb the treatment area so you stay comfortable.
Is oral sedation safe?
Yes. We review your health history and medications before prescribing a sedative, and our team monitors you throughout your treatment.
How is moderate sedation different from nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide provides light relaxation that wears off quickly. Oral sedation creates a deeper, longer-lasting calm, which is helpful for moderate anxiety and longer visits.
Can I eat before taking oral sedation?
Follow the specific instructions we give you. In some cases, you may be asked to limit food before your appointment.