What to Expect with Oral Sedation at Young Dental Health Center Upland

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By December 15, 2025

Dental appointments can be traumatic experiences, particularly for people who have anxiety or a fear of procedures. At Young Dental Health Center Upland, we understand that comfort is an important part of a good dental experience, so we provide sedation dentistry. Relaxing at the dentist comes easy with oral sedation, a proven method for getting you to your dental care and the treatment you need by simply taking a pill!

Our commitment to oral sedation allows even the most anxious of patients to undergo treatment in a calm, stress-free state. Oral sedation dentistry keeps you relaxed and removes the fear, so your smile stays healthy.

If you are anxious about going to the dentist or have a planned procedure that is stressing you out, oral sedation can help make the experience less nerve-wracking.

Don’t delay. Book an appointment today with us and start a worry-free visit to the dentist.

What is Oral Sedation?

Oral sedation is a technique in which patients are given sedative drugs to relax during the dental treatment. This includes taking a drug usually in pill or liquid form that produces feelings of calm and relaxation. There are varying degrees of sedation, such as mild, moderate, and deep, based on the level of invasiveness of the procedure and the patient’s needs.

Most dental treatments can be performed with mild to moderate sedation. Mild sedation keeps the patients awake, but they are calm and less conscious of their environment. You can sleep enough due to moderate sedation that you won’t recall the procedure. This type of sedation is popular and efficient to create a relaxed, easy experience for patients who have anxiety or are afraid of the dentist.

Why Oral Sedation at Young Dental Health Center?

We are a patient-oriented practice here at Young Dental Health Center, and that is why we offer personalized, safe sedation dentistry in Upland. Our competent team is fully-versed in the safe use of oral sedation, so you can be certain that we will provide just the right amount for your needs.

The unique thing is our emphasis on patients. We know that many people find going to the dentist a bit anxious and daunting, so we do everything we can to put you at ease in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Our team is committed to helping you understand, and they’ll happily answer questions you have, so you feel educated and comfortable.

Second to that is safety. We only use FDA-approved medication in our practice, and we review your medical history to be sure this is safe for you. That way, the process is both safe and effective for you.

If you’re there for a routine exam or a more invasive procedure, Young Dental Health Center offers sedation dentistry to give patients a comfortable, stress-free experience.

How Does Oral Sedation Work?

The oral sedation process at Young Dental Health Center is easy and aims to keep you relaxed while you go through your treatment. Here’s what to expect:

Before The Procedure: You will receive instructions on how to how you should prepare for sedation. Some changes could be as simple as fasting for a short period or having a conversation about any medications you’re on with our team. In almost all instances, your oral sedative will be ingested about one hour before your appointment.

During the Treatment: The sedation will leave you feeling calm and relaxed. Oral sedation normally makes you feel very sleepy and calm but also awake to respond when spoken to. Your level of sedation will vary by the procedure and how comfortable you’d like to be, but our team will make sure that you’re completely at ease.

After the Procedure: You may be relaxed for a time after your procedure, but our staff will care for you until you’re clear-headed. You can feel a bit groggy the next day, but a lot more relaxed and comfortable. You’ll need someone to take you home afterwards because it’s not safe for you to drive on sedation.

What to Expect Before Your Visit

Prior to coming in for your appointment, follow the instructions you receive from our team. Depending on the procedure and your level of sedation, you will be instructed not to eat or drink for a few hours before your appointment. This helps with the efficiency and safety of the sedative.

You will also have a consultation to review your medical history, any allergies or medications and existing health conditions. This step also allows us to identify the best choice for your sedation.

It is also typical to be concerned about the safety of oral sedation and whether you’ll even be able to safely operate a vehicle after undergoing the treatment. Don’t worry, oral sedation is a safe choice. We’ll walk you through the whole process. After the procedure, you should be driven home by a friend or family member, since you may still feel drowsy.

What Happens During the Procedure?

With oral sedation, you will be relaxed and comfortable throughout your dental care. You’ll be awake throughout the procedure and still able to communicate with the dentist, if necessary; however, you’ll feel less anxious and more at ease.

It may feel to you, from your perspective, that the procedure lasts a while, but in reality, it happens fairly quickly because you’re calm. This is closely monitored by the dental team to make sure you’re not only relaxed, but comfortable, and that sedation is appropriate for you and will work effectively.

At Young Dental Health Center, we’re dedicated to giving you a comfortable experience and that means comfort is our first concern. Our team will be there for you and make sure you are fully-supported from beginning to end.

Aftercare and Recovery from Oral Sedation

Once the sedation begins to wear off, you’ll likely feel groggy for a short time, but this will subside as the medication leaves your system. Aftercare is simple, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

Hydration: Stay well-hydrated to help flush the sedative out of your system.

Rest: Getting a few hours of rest after the procedure can be helpful.

Observation: Rare patients will feel a little dizzy or sick to their stomach. If anything hurts, please let our team member know.

You’ll be more alert as the sedative wears off, but you want to have someone go with you to your appointment and also drive you home.

Oral sedation is a safe, easy way to keep our Upland dental patients relaxed and comfortable during your visit. Whether you are in for a simple cleaning or something more complex, we offer an array of different sedation dentistry solutions so that you can sit back and concentrate on your mouth!

Whether you’re leery of a visit to the dentist or simply think that sedation would help with a more intensive procedure, we can schedule a consultation to further discuss your options.

Please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly and courteous staff if you have any questions or to learn more about how sedation dentistry can make your visit a pleasant one.

FAQs

Do I need someone with me after oral sedation?

Yes, it’s important to have a friend or family member with you to drive you home, as you may still feel drowsy after the procedure.

How will I feel after the sedation wears off?

After oral sedation wears off, you may feel a bit tired or groggy, but this should pass quickly. Resting is recommended.

Is oral sedation the same for everyone?

No, the type and dosage of oral sedation depend on factors such as age, health, and the type of procedure. We personalize your sedation plan.

Can I still communicate with the dentist during oral sedation?

Yes, you can still communicate with your dentist, though you may feel drowsy or less aware of your surroundings.

How long does oral sedation last?

The effects of oral sedation usually last between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the sedative used and the procedure performed.

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