How does Daydream Dentistry work?

What does it feel like to be sedated for dental treatment?

You are awake during sedation dentistry (this is why it is referred to as "conscious sedation"). The feeling is something like "watching a movie" of yourself, or "daydreaming" through the treatment; in other words, you feel removed from what is going on, while still aware when you need to be aware. You can respond to questions, groan at a terrible joke, or laugh at a good joke or funny comment. What is taken away is the sense of fear and immediacy that so many people feel during dental treatment, since the medication helps you feel relaxed and "removed" from the treatment. The sensation is similar to having nitrous oxide, but is much more profound--people love it!

What are the drugs used in sedation dentistry?

We do not use narcotics. The drugs we use are benzodiazepines; they are relatives of valium that are much shorter-acting than valium (that is, they wear off much more quickly). For oral sedation, we use triazolam, and for intravenous sedation we use midazolam.

What will I feel like after my sedation visit?

The aftereffects of sedation dentistry are surprisingly few. Some people feel tired after treatment. What most people report is little or no memory of the actual dental treatment after the treatment is over (this is especially true a few days later). For a dental phobic, this is an amazingly powerful positive experience.