Oral sedation is a safe way to achieve a minimal level of sedation if you are only slightly nervous about your dental work. If you are a good candidate for this treatment, you’ll be asked to come to the office about 1 hour prior to the scheduled appointment and you’ll be given an oral sedative to take. You’ll sit in the dental chair and relax for about 1 hour, during which time you’ll be monitored as the sedative starts to take effect. You will still be conscious, but most patients will feel less nervous for their dental work after receiving an oral sedative.