For many people, the thought of going to the dentist can be anxiety-inducing. The anticipation of potential pain, the fear of needles, and the feeling of being out of control can all contribute to dental anxiety. At Steven C. Hewett, DDS in Champions Gate, FL, we understand that many patients feel anxious about dental treatments. That’s why we offer minimal sedation dentistry to help patients get the dental care they need without having to endure undue stress or anxiety.
Can You Drive After Being Sedated at the Dentist?
The quick answer is no, you cannot drive home after your sedation dentistry appointment. It is not safe to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of sedatives. Patients will need to arrange for someone else to drive them home after their appointment.
However, this does not mean that you will be completely out of it and unable to walk or talk. The level of sedation will be tailored to your needs and will be monitored throughout your appointment. Most patients report feeling relaxed and comfortable during the treatment process, but they are still able to respond to questions and follow simple instructions from the dentist.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs:
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Sedation?
In general, patients can expect to feel back to their normal selves within two to eight hours after their dental sedation. The level of sedation that a patient receives will have a direct impact on how long it takes for them to recover afterward.
For instance, if a patient only received minimal sedation in the form of nitrous oxide, they will likely be able to resume their normal activities within a few minutes after treatment. On the other hand, if a patient received moderate or deep sedation, they will need someone to drive them home and may need to take the rest of the day off to recover.
Will I Be Sleepy After My Appointment?
It is common for patients to feel drowsy after their appointment, especially if they were under general anesthesia. At our practice in Champions Gate, FL, we recommend that patients take it easy for the rest of the day and not make any major plans. It is also advisable to avoid alcohol for 24 hours after your appointment.
What Can I Expect at Sedation Dentistry?
When you come in for your appointment, you will be asked to sign a consent form. Once you have signed the form, the dentist will brief you on how the treatment will be performed and answer any questions that you may have. You will then be given a sedative to help you relax. The sedative is designed to make you feel drowsy but you will still be able to communicate with the dentists and follow simple commands.
You may also be given a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. Once the sedative has taken effect, the dentist will begin addressing your dental problem. Depending on the type of treatment being performed, you may be monitored by a dental assistant during the process. Once the treatment process is complete, the effects of the sedative will begin to wear off and you will be able to go home.
Are You Awake for Dental Sedation?
With oral conscious sedation, patients remain awake but are in a deeply relaxed state. IV sedation also causes patients to become deeply relaxed, but they may not be aware of their surroundings and may not remember much of it afterward. General anesthesia renders patients unconscious and is typically used for more invasive procedures.
Do You Feel Pain With Dental Sedation?
There is no need to worry about pain with dental sedation. In fact, dental sedation is often used to help people who have a fear of dentists or who have a low tolerance for pain. There are different types of dental sedation available, and we will work with you to choose the best option for your individual needs.
Will a Dentist Put Me To Sleep if I Ask?
Yes, we can put you to sleep. However, we always recommend that patients stay awake during their dental treatments. There are a few reasons for this. First, it allows you to be an active participant in your care. You can let us know if you are feeling any pain or discomfort, and we can adjust the treatment accordingly.
Second, staying awake also allows you to provide feedback about your experience. We want to make sure that you are comfortable and satisfied with your care, and your input is essential in helping us to achieve this goal. So while we are always happy to accommodate patients who request to be put to sleep during their treatment, we believe that it is in the best interest of our patients to stay awake during their appointment.
Is Sedation the Same As Laughing Gas?
Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is a type of gas that is used for anesthesia during dental treatments. It is a safe and effective way to help people relax during dental work. However, it is not the same thing as sedation. Sedation is a more intense form of anesthesia that is used for invasive dental procedures.
How Long Does It Take To Wake Up After Sedation?
After sedation dentistry, it is normal for patients to feel groggy. The length of time it takes to wake up after sedation will vary depending on the type of sedative used. For example, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is typically worn off within minutes while oral sedatives can take up to several hours.
Patients who have received intravenous (IV) sedation will usually take the longest to wake up, as the sedative takes longer to wear off when administered through the bloodstream. However, in all cases, patients should be able to go home and sleep off the effects of the sedative.
Should I Be Put To Sleep for Tooth Extraction?
If you are considering whether or not to be put to sleep for your tooth extraction (oral surgery), the answer is generally no. There are a few exceptions to this, such as if you have a very low pain threshold or a fear of needles. However, in most cases, we will numb the area around the tooth before starting the procedure. This will ensure that you remain comfortable throughout the extraction.
Additionally, we will use special equipment to minimize any discomfort. As a result, you should not feel any significant pain during the procedure. Therefore, unless you have a specific reason to do so, there is no need to be put to sleep for a tooth extraction.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Don’t Eat or Drink Before Your Appointment
It is crucial that you do not eat or drink anything for at least six hours before your appointment as this can increase the risk of complications. If you are scheduled for a morning appointment, be sure to not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before.
If you are scheduled for an afternoon appointment, do not eat or drink anything after breakfast. It is also important to avoid caffeine before your appointment as this can also increase the risk of complications.
Take It Easy the Day of Your Appointment
Since dental sedation can make you feel drowsy, we recommend that you take it easy on the day of your appointment and avoid any strenuous activity. You should also plan on taking the rest of the day off from work or school so that you can relax and recover from your treatment.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
You’ll be spending an extended period of time lying in the dental chair, so it’s essential to wear comfortable clothing that won’t restrict your movement. Leave any bulky jewelry at home so that it doesn’t get in the way of your treatment.
Tell Us the Kind of Music You Love
We want to make sure you’re as relaxed as possible during your visit. That’s why we offer relaxation techniques like massage chairs, soft blankets, and headphones playing relaxation music. But we know that not everyone loves the same type of music. So tell us what kind of relaxation music you love and we’ll make sure that you have the best possible experience while you’re under sedation.
Get the Care You Need Without the Anxiety
We offer sedation dentistry to help our patients relax during their appointments. There are several different types of sedation available, and we will work with you to find the best option for your needs. Remember that you’ll need someone to drive you home after your appointment, so make arrangements in advance. Contact Steven C. Hewett, DDS in Champions Gate, FL, to learn more about our services.
