In the case of mild or moderate sedation commonly used in dental offices, the patient can usually leave the office and return home one hour after the procedure. In the case of deep sedation, the patient may require one to two hours to recover. This time is often dependent on how quickly the patient recovers after the procedure. Theoretically, a patient can resume driving mechanical vehicles 30 minutes after the procedure, but in practice, it is recommended that the patient return home with a companion or use public transportation on the day of the sedation.