Sedation medicines can affect your judgment and coordination for the rest of the day, even if you feel awake.
For the rest of today
- A responsible adult must take you home and stay with you until the effects have worn off.
- Do not drive, operate machinery, cook, care for children alone, make important decisions or sign legal documents for at least 24 hours, or as advised.
- Do not drink alcohol or take sleeping pills or other sedating medicines unless your dentist approved them.
Moving around
- Get up slowly, and have someone help you walk at first to avoid falls.
Eating and drinking
- Start with clear fluids, then light soft food. Nausea is usually short-lived.
- Avoid chewing, hot drinks and biting your cheek, lip or tongue until the numbness wears off, usually within 2–5 hours. Watch children closely.
Children
- Watch your child closely. Let them rest on their side, and check on them often while they sleep.
Call our office right away if
- Vomiting that does not stop
- Unusual drowsiness or difficulty waking (call 911 for trouble breathing or if you cannot wake them)
- Rash, itching or any other reaction to a medicine
This handout is general information. Always follow the specific instructions your dentist gives you, which may differ from this sheet. For a medical emergency, such as trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling spreading toward the eye or neck, or bleeding that will not stop, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Content last reviewed: 2026-10.