Some less invasive dental procedures like filling cavities or placing a crown require a local anesthetic to numb the surgical site. At the same time, An oral sedative may be given to relax the patient during the procedure, keeping them conscious, but calm local anesthesia is used prior to a procedure to reduce or prevent pain by numbing the surgical area. Anesthesia can be used either by itself or in combination with one or more sedatives. A sedative is a drug that reduces anxiety and relaxes a patient for a short period of time. One common type of sedative used with local anesthesia is nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. Nitrous oxide is a tasteless and odorless gas used to help relieve pain and anxiety. During minor surgery, another type of sedative comes in a pill form. Your doctor must prescribe oral sedatives for you to premedicate with conscious sedation. You stay awake and aware your doctor can speak with you and you are able to respond. Most people recover completely from local anesthesia and sedatives and do not have any complications. Local anesthesia and sedatives let you recover quickly and return to your everyday activities soon after the procedure. Conscious sedation is usually safe. Temporary side effects include dizziness, nausea, feeling sleepy. If you need local anesthesia, your doctor will dry part of your mouth with air or use cotton rolls. Then the area will be swabbed with a gel to numb the skin. Next, your doctor will slowly inject the local anesthetic into the gum tissue. Most people don't feel the needle. Instead, the sting they feel is caused by the anesthetic moving into the tissue. Nitrous oxide gas is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a mask placed over your nose and mouth. You'll be watched very closely by the dental team. Your blood pressure, pulse and breathing will be continuously monitored. The doctor can adjust the amount of nitrous oxide. During the procedure. You may fall asleep, but you will wake up easily to respond to people in the room. Before undergoing a dental surgical procedure, your doctor will meet with you for an evaluation. They will take a complete medical history to determine the type and amount of anesthesia you need. This includes asking you about any allergies, health conditions, medicines, and history of anesthesia. During the evaluation, make sure you inform your doctor of any medical conditions you have, like diabetes, high blood pressure, autism or asthma. Tell what prescription medicines over the counter drugs and herbal supplements you are taking, and any recreational drugs you may use several days to a week before the procedure, you may be asked to stop taking blood thinning drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and warfarin. Ask which medications you can take on the day of your procedure. Do not drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages for 24 hours before surgery and always try to stop smoking. Finally, be sure to get a good night's sleep. On the day of the procedure. You'll likely be asked not to drink or eat anything. After midnight the night before. Take only the medicine that your doctor told you to take with a small sip of water. Notify your doctor's office if you're feeling ill the day of the procedure. Fever, sore, throat, upset, stomach, nasal, or chest congestion may increase your risk of complications and your procedure may need to be postponed. Brush your teeth. Cleaning your mouth before surgery helps to avoid infection. Wear comfortable loose fitting clothing, short sleeve tops or sleeves that can be easily rolled up Above the elbows is best. Wear flat sold shoes with ankle support like sneakers. Do not wear any jewelry and leave all valuables at home. Do not wear colored nail polish, perfume cologne, or eye makeup. Remove any contact lenses and false eyelashes. You will not be able to drive for 24 hours following surgery. Your Dr. May require a licensed driver accompany you to your appointment and be prepared to wait for you during surgery. Also, your Dr. May require that an adult look after you for 24 hours following the procedure. Finally, it's best to arrive early to your appointment to allow time to sign consent forms and other required paperwork. Following your surgery, you may be tired or groggy. You may also experience temporary side effects like upset, stomach, nausea, vomiting, facial bruising, stiffness in jaws and chafing around the corners of your mouth. But these will wear off in a few hours. Expect minor pain and discomfort for several days following any procedure. So be sure to follow your doctor's pain management recommendations and aftercare instructions carefully and keep all follow-up appointments. Again. Your Dr. May require an adult companion drive you home after the procedure and that an adult watch you closely at home for 24 hours. For 24 hours after surgery. The following restrictions usually apply. Do not drive or operate machinery. Do not take sedatives or stimulants. Do not carry small children or sleep next to young children. Do not rinse or brush near the surgical site. Do not smoke. If you have any questions or concerns about the use of local anesthesia and sedatives for your procedure, contact your doctor before your scheduled procedure.