Many people feel anxious or nervous when it's time to visit the dentist, it's completely normal. Dental sedation is an option that may help you feel more at ease during your visit. Our Surrey dentists discuss how dental sedation can help you relax and what you can expect after your treatment is done.
What are the benefits of dental sedation?
By receiving sedation prior to any dental procedures you may not only feel more relaxed during your visit but also may experience decreased pain. Some of the procedures that dental sedation may be useful for include teeth cleanings, root canals, and endoscopes. If you are a person who suffers from a severe gag reflex, TMD or a fear of pain and/or dentists, you may find this medicine very useful.
The type of dental sedation that you have will depend on the options available at the dental office as well as your specific needs. Typically with oral sedation, you would take a liquid or pill in the hour leading up to your visit. You may need to take a dose the night before the procedure to alleviate anxiety-related insomnia.
One of the benefits of dental sedation is that while you will be more relaxed, you will still be conscious and able to communicate with the dental team throughout your procedure. With sedation, you will be relaxed throughout your appointment while still being alert and responsive allowing you to communicate with the dental team throughout your visit.
What are the possible side effects of dental sedation?
As mentioned above, dental sedation allows you to retain consciousness, but that being said, many people feel completely at ease as well as drowsy and may fall asleep during their appointment. This will only be a light sleep and our dental team won't have any issues gently waking you once the service is complete. The effects of dental sedation vary depending on the person taking it, as they do with many medications. While side effects are uncommon and very mild, a few are worth mentioning. Some of the possible side effects of dental sedation include:
Oral Conscious Sedation
- Low blood pressure
- Mild headache
- Sluggish reflexes
- Drowsiness
- Amnesia (only for the period you are sedated)
- Dry mouth
IV Sedation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Watery eyes
Both Oral Conscious Sedation & IV Sedation
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
Generally, these side effects will be mild and shouldn't last any more than 24 hours after your appointment.
Is there any risk of complications that I should know about?
While dental sedation is usually safe there are a select few instances where it may cause concern.
If you are to have dental sedation, your dentists will talk to you about your overall health in order to assess the risk of complications.
For those who suffer from obesity or sleep disorders, you will not be a candidate for dental sedation in order to prevent serious complications. Our dental team will offer other methods of helping you feel more relaxed and comfortable during your procedure.
While all medical procedures involve some risk, using IV sedation under the supervision of a trained professional is relatively risk-free. Oversedation is the most serious risk, which will be managed by the dental team through careful monitoring. Patients are not left alone while sedated.
If you choose to have dental sedation you should be sure that the dentist holds the necessary qualifications to administer dental sedation safely.
What will I feel like after dental sedation?
Depending on the type and level of sedation administered by your dentist, you may require one to several hours to recover from the sedation. Your dental team will be there with you throughout the process to help ensure your health and safety.
Your dentist will inform you if you will require a ride to and from your appointment. We recommend that you take the day off, refrain from operating heavy machinery, and avoid physical activity while the sedative wears off. These side effects should only last up to 24 hours after which you will be able to return to your regular activities.