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Things to Know Before Sedation Dentistry

Most cosmetic dentistry procedures typically only require a local anesthetic, but there are certain instances and patient situations which will call for the use of sedation for the dentistry procedure. Your dentist will help you to determine if undergoing your dental procedure under sedation is the right option for you. It can be very convenient for many patients, but as with any procedure, sedation dentistry has its own slight risks involved. Your dentist will weigh the risks and benefits with you before you make your decision.

How do I know if  sedation dentistry is right for me?

For most cosmetic dentistry procedures, a local anesthetic will be used. There are fewer risks to the patient by using drugs to numb just the area that is being operated on, but for certain patients, they must be sedated instead or in addition. Some patients react poorly to the local anesthetics used, or they might have a severe gag reflex. In such cases, the dentist will recommend sedation dentistry. You also will likely be given these drugs if you require several procedures to be done at the same time. This can prevent the need for making several separate appointments for dental surgeries since you will get it all done at once.

What types are there? Will I be completely unconscious?

There are two methods of administering sedation dentistry offered. These are intravenous and oral sedation. During both of these, you are given drugs to help to relax you, but you will still be awake during the procedure and able to communicate. Afterwards, though, it is unlikely that you will remember anything. For oral sedation, you are given a pill to take that will calm you; whereas with intravenous sedation, you will have the drugs delivered to you by a professional anesthesiologist through an IV needle. Make sure that prior to your appointment that you have a reliable person to drive you to and from the dentist's office. Most offices will not release you after sedation dentistry without a competent adult there to take you home. This is because it can take up to twenty four hours before the drugs completely wear off, and they will impair your reaction times and driving capabilities.

How do I prepare for sedation dentistry?

Your dentist will discuss with you exactly what you will need to do before the dental procedure. You will need to arrange to have someone take you and pick you up from your appointment since you will not be able to drive. It might be recommended that you avoid eating or drinking for six to eight hours before sedation dentistry. This is because for some patients, the sedation drugs can make them nauseated. You also should not have alcohol the day before or for 24 hours following the surgery. It is likely that you will be advised to stop taking aspirin or other blood thinners for seven days beforehand.

For any other questions related to sedation dentistry, you can contact us at 888.790.0309 or feel free to Ask the Dentist.