What is recovery like after sleep dentistry? Learn what to expect immediately after anesthesia, at home, and in the days following treatment.
One of the most common concerns patients and caregivers have before choosing sleep dentistry is simple: “What happens afterward?”
If you or your loved one is considering dental treatment under anesthesia, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about the recovery process. Knowing what to expect can make the experience feel far more manageable—and far less intimidating.
Best Dentists in St. Louis. Really a great dental experience. I have used this office for regular dental care, cavities, crowns, and cosmetic dentistry. Teeth look great.
Response from the owner:Christopher we apologize for the belated response. We are very pleased to hear you have a great dental experience with our office! Thank you for your kind words. We look forward to seeing you at your next dental appointment!
Dr. Behl!
I cannot recommend Dr. Maris Behl enough. If you have dental anxiety, she is truly the kind of dentist you hope to find. If teeth could be wrapped in pillows and protected by flying unicorns, Dr. Behl would somehow make it happen.
I have significant anxiety around dental procedures and have needed deeper sedation for dental work in the past. From the beginning, Dr. Behl took the time to listen to my concerns and made me feel genuinely heard rather than dismissed or rushed. She created such a sense of trust and safety that I was eventually able to have my dental work done with only nitrous instead of full sedation, which is something I honestly didn’t think I would be comfortable doing.
During my crown placement, she explained what she was doing throughout the procedure, which made an enormous difference in keeping me calm. She also took the time to address a filling that had been bothering me for what felt like forever — and she actually fixed the problem.
What stands out most about Dr. Behl is how safe I feel in her care. She is compassionate, patient, communicative, and incredibly attentive to how her patients are feeling. For someone with dental anxiety, that combination is invaluable.
Finding a dentist I trust this much has completely changed my experience with dental care. I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Behl and would recommend her without hesitation, especially to anyone who has dental anxiety or has struggled to feel comfortable receiving dental treatment.
Response from the owner:Thank you for such incredibly kind words! We’ll be sure to pass this along to Dr. Behl. We’re pretty sure the flying unicorns are going to be the part she remembers most! 🦄💙 We’re so glad our team could help make your experience a more comfortable one.
Dr Thoms and his team are phenomenal. No question, the absolute best possible option for my child when he needed work done while sleeping (age based). While this option is not inexpensive, this set up of have anesthesiology in-house allowed us to get his mouth healthy when a traditional pediatric dentist could/would not. I am a parent that asks a lot of questions on behalf of my toddler’s care and at no point did I feel judged for this, nor was I rushed during my evaluation process during the consultation. Although the procedure is not one I would like to repeat for my child, my husband and I were both so pleased with how well Dr. Thoms communicated and how he clearly cared for our son’s wellbeing (both physical and emotional during a less than comfortable visit). Cannot recommend the back of house team more highly.
My one detraction is the FOH staff (not everyone) were not nearly as pleasant. I would like to communicate that while their day-to-day is very routine for them, being in that office as a parent is very scary for some people in their office and a little bit of kindness goes along way. I do recall, having a very pleasant conversation with Rebecca, but otherwise everyone else was on the apathetic side, in my personal opinion. That said you’ll notice that I still am leaving a five star review because the dental staff really just knocked out of the park, but as a parent I want to encourage you to look past any rudeness you may experience over email or on the phone because Dr. Thom’s is really that excellent.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share such thoughtful feedback. We’re grateful to hear that our team provided compassionate, attentive care and took the time to answer your questions throughout the process. We also appreciate your comments regarding your experience with our front office team and will certainly share your feedback. Your kind words mean so much to us!
Recovery Is Temporary and Planned For
After sleep dentistry (IV sedation or general anesthesia), your body needs time to gradually return to full alertness. This doesn’t happen all at once. Instead, recovery happens in stages:
Immediate recovery right after the procedure
The first few hours at home
The remainder of the day
The following day or two
Most patients are surprised by how manageable this process feels when they know what to expect.
Right After the Procedure
When the dental treatment is complete, your loved one will be moved into a recovery area where they are closely monitored as the anesthesia begins to wear off. At this stage, it’s normal to see:
Drowsiness or grogginess
Slower responses
Limited awareness of surroundings
Some patients may feel like they’re waking up from a deep nap. Others may not remember this part at all. Our team will ensure that:
Vital signs are stable
Breathing is normal
It is safe to go home
The Trip Home
Because the effects of anesthesia take time to fully wear off, patients are not able to drive or go home alone. During the ride home, most people:
Remain very drowsy
May fall asleep
Have limited conversation or awareness
The First Few Hours at Home
Once home, the focus is simple: rest and supervision. During this time, your loved one may:
Sleep for several hours
Feel unsteady when walking
Be less alert than usual
Need help with basic tasks
It’s important to have a responsible adult present to:
Monitor their condition
Help prevent falls
Follow any post-operative instructions
Eating and Drinking After Anesthesia
Your dental team will give you specific instructions, but generally, patients ease back into eating gradually. This often looks like:
Starting with clear liquids
Moving to soft foods as tolerated
Avoiding heavy or hard-to-chew foods initially
Hydration is important, but it’s best to go slowly at first. Some patients may experience mild nausea, especially early on, which is why gradual intake is recommended.
Managing Discomfort After Treatment
Any discomfort after sleep dentistry is usually related to the dental work itself—not the anesthesia. Depending on the procedures performed, your loved one may experience:
Soreness in the mouth or jaw
Sensitivity in treated areas
Mild swelling
You’ll receive clear instructions on how to manage this, which may include:
Prescribed or over-the-counter medications
Ice packs (if appropriate)
Dietary recommendations
The goal is to keep recovery as comfortable as possible.
When to Call the Office
While most recoveries are smooth, it’s important to know when to reach out. You should contact the office if you notice:
Difficulty breathing
Persistent vomiting
Severe or worsening pain
Unusual symptoms that concern you
You will be given clear instructions and a contact number before leaving.
Have Questions About Recovery or What to Expect?
If you’re considering sleep dentistry, it’s completely normal to have questions about what happens after treatment—especially if this is your first experience with anesthesia. You don’t have to figure that out on your own. Contact us today by calling (314) 862-7844 or filling out our contact form.
Call Us Today
The first two board-certified Dentist Anesthesiologists in the state of Missouri.
