<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

I forgot to include another interesting response I had regarding the valium.
I had no problems at all with the valium and it only relaxed me--a good thing.

Saskia


I have had experience with valium, as a psychologist in a hospital setting.
I have seen many patients on it and have taken it myself for anxiety.  I do
not know about the steroid and why your dentist/oral surgeon would use such.
Valium is relatively safe especially as a one time dose.  It is a minor
sedative and in larger doses (which you will no doubt receive) it induces
sleepiness and reduced memory for the procedure.  However, if you want to be
fully asleep for the procedure then valium may not be the drug to use.  Some
report waking up during the procedure though not being particularly worried
because of the tranquilizing effects.  Personally, I would be totally knocked
out for that kind of procedure unless it is just the one tooth.  The only
short-term side effects I have seen are mild headache which is not frequent.
Valium only becomes a problem with long-term use in which case it can be
addictive.  Also, I asked my brother, who had his wisdom teeth extracted (all
4 at the same time).  He reported no problems with valium but he was given a
second drug to initially create the loss of consciousness.   Hope that helps.
 Good luck.