Some Warnings Before Using Sedation Dentistry

Are you the type of person that has fear about going to the dentist? Your troubles may range from getting the courage to attend an appointment or dealing with the sound of the drills from other dental patients. Sedation dentistry is a great way to get over your fears, but it helps to know what some of the side effects are before you use them

Oral Sedation

If you're problem is feeling nervous about going to the dentist, oral sedation can be used to make you feel more relaxed. This sedation technique involves taking oral medication prior to the appointment, and it creates a drowsy sensation that makes to more relaxed about the appointment.

Unfortunately, drowsiness can be a problematic side effect if you are not prepared to deal with it. You will definitely need someone to drive you to and from the dental office if you use oral sedation. Think you can get around the warnings of not being able to drive while on the medication by taking it after you arrive? If so, you'll quickly discover that you are unable to drive your car and get home after the dental appointment. 

Laughing Gas

NItrous oxide, or laughing gas, is generally considered one of the safest forms of dental sedation. It works fairly fast by simply breathing in the gas and wears off quickly when the gas is no longer administered. This means that you can safely drive home after your appointment since the form of dental sedation will no longer be in your system.

However, many people do not realize the side effects that can sometimes happen with laughing gas. You may experience nausea or a headache after using it, which should go away within the day. Some dental patients experience sleepiness as well. 

IV Sedation

Some dental patients prefer to be knocked out for the appointment so that they do not remember a thing. IV sedation involves giving you a medication through your bloodstream, and works very well and making sure you are out through the entire procedure. While this form of sedation dentistry will be the most effective at helping you get through an appointment, it also has the most side effects. 

There is a long recovery period as you are taken off of the sedation method, and there can be bruising and bleeding in the part of your arm where the IV was inserted. Memory loss is another side effect, but is obviously an intentional one if you picked this form of dental sedation.

For more information, talk to your dentist about sedation dentistry


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