How Does Sedation Dentistry Improve Patient Comfort During Procedures?

Does the thought of going to the dentist make you feel anxious? If so, you’re not alone. However, there is no need to fear visiting the dentist at the office of Steven C. Hewett DDS in Champions Gate, FL. We are proud to offer sedation dentistry to help keep you calm and comfortable regardless of the dental work that needs to be done. Read on to discover everything you need to know.

How Does Sedation Dentistry Improve Patient Comfort During Procedures?

Sedation dentistry helps keep people comfortable during procedures by slowing down the activity of the brain. This means that you feel less stress during the dental procedure than you would feel without sedation. Furthermore, it helps to keep you physically comfortable. 

What Are Some Benefits of This Type of Dentistry?

One great advantage of this type of dentistry is that it is perfectly safe. Another incredible benefit is that injections are not required. We can administer an oral sedative that is so effective that you won’t be able to recall what happened during the procedure.

Other Frequently Asked Questions Answered

Will I Be Awake During My Procedure?

Even though you may not remember your procedure, you will be awake during it. There are multiple levels of sedation that you may benefit from depending on the extent of the dental work done and other factors. If we determine oral conscious sedation is right for you, a pill will be given to you roughly 60 minutes before your procedure begins.

Once the medication takes effect, you will be worry-free. If you are sensitive to sedatives, you may fall asleep during your procedure. However, if we need to communicate with you, we can awaken you easily with a gentle nudge. If you are undergoing extensive oral surgery, IV sedation may be optimal for you. We can administer a dose that is high enough to put you to sleep. If you receive a low dose of IV sedation, you will be partially conscious.

Will I Be Able To Drive After My Appointment?

You will not be able to drive after your appointment if you receive sedation to help keep you calm and comfortable. Therefore, you must arrange for someone to take you home after your procedure. Furthermore, you should not drive within 24 hours of your appointment.

Let us know during your consultation if you can’t arrange for transportation and care after your procedure. We can help you connect with licensed home care while you recover.

Are There Any Medications I Should Avoid Before My Procedure?

There are several medications you should not take before sedation dentistry is performed. During your consultation, we will give you a complete list of what to avoid. Some of the most common types of pharmaceuticals you should avoid include NSAIDs and anticoagulants. You may find that you will not be suitable for sedation dentistry if you are taking certain types of antidepressants, like MAOIs.

Can I Eat Before My Procedure?

You should not eat or drink in the six hours preceding your sedation. If you eat lunch every day, you should strongly consider scheduling your procedure in the morning. You will be able to eat once your procedure is complete, and it is highly advisable to eat and drink after your procedure to give your body the fuel it needs to recover.

What Aftercare Rules Will I Need To Follow After My Procedure?

There are many rules you will need to follow after your sedation dentistry besides not driving for 24 hours. During your consultation, we will explain all the rules you must follow post-op and answer any follow-up questions. One of the most important rules is to stay hydrated during the first 24 hours following your procedure. While hydration is always important, it is particularly important while recovering from dental procedures.

Another vital rule to follow is to take pain medication as directed. The optimal pharmaceuticals, dosages, and timing depend on which procedure you get and other factors. It is also critical that you do not drink alcohol while recovering from your procedure. Alcohol can negatively interact with the sedative in your system and any painkillers you take. Also, alcohol consumption can cause dehydration and hypertension.

How Long Will I Need To Recover From the Sedation?

How long you will need to recover from your sedative depends on several factors, including the type of sedative you receive. If you are administered nitrous oxide, the effect of the sedative should wear off in a mere 15 to 30 minutes.

If you receive a stronger sedative, you should not expect to feel fully alert until 24 hours after your procedure. Please note that due to the way sedatives can affect your motor skills, you should not go up or down steps alone while you are recovering from the sedative.

Can I Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?

Taking an oral sedative before getting a dental procedure may be right for you if you need dental work done but fear is stopping you. Additionally, you may benefit from this type of dentistry if your pain tolerance is low, you want to get a lot of work done during the same appointment, or your gag reflex is sensitive. Furthermore, this type of dentistry is great for people who do not find local anesthesia effective or have conditions exacerbated by stress.

Note that while using sedatives to help ensure comfort during dental procedures is perfectly safe for most people, there are contraindications. To ensure that it is safe for you, we will discuss your health history thoroughly during your initial consultation. We also will discuss all of the drugs you currently take. If you are only on pharmaceuticals that will not affect your procedure, you may continue taking them if they can be taken on an empty stomach.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Sedation dentistry can keep you comfortable physically and mentally. The sedative calms your mind, so you don’t have to worry about stress or anxiety. To find out if it is appropriate for you, schedule a free evaluation with us today at the office of Steven C. Hewett DDS in Champions Gate, FL.