Which of the following is a common risk associated with sedation?

Over-sedation leading to respiratory depression is a critical risk associated with sedation, particularly in dental procedures where patients are often administered sedative agents to help manage anxiety and discomfort. When sedatives are used, there is a fine balance between achieving adequate sedation and maintaining a patient's safety. Over-sedation can result in a decrease in the patient's respiratory drive, causing respiratory depression which can be severe and require immediate intervention. Monitoring the patient’s vital signs, including respiratory function, is essential during sedation to mitigate this risk.

While increased recovery time, immediate relief from pain, and reduced anxiety are relevant concepts in the context of sedation, they do not represent risks. Increased recovery time may be a concern, but it is not detrimental in the same way as the risk of respiratory depression. Similarly, immediate pain relief and reduced anxiety are generally desired outcomes of sedative usage rather than risks.