Recovery & Going Home

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When you wake up, you’ll still be in your bed but in a smaller, private room with your sleep nurse by your side until you’re ready to go home.

Most patients don’t feel any pain, as the dentist will have numbed your mouth and gums, which lasts a while. If any discomfort arises, it can be quickly managed.

The effects of the anaesthesia wear off fast, and you should feel back to normal within an hour, though this can vary. If you’re having a permanent denture fitted, you might need to stay a bit longer.

An image of a nurse comforting a young patient with an icy pole when they wake up.

Pain relief for home

While you’re asleep, the adult taking you home will be given a script for painkillers and nausea tablets to pick up from a nearby pharmacy.

A doctor and a nurse waive goodbye to a patient and her family.

Before you go home, your sleep nurse will give your carer all the instructions they need, including what medications to take and when. You’ll also get contact numbers for your dentist and anaesthetist in case you have any questions or experience any severe pain after you leave.