At our dentist office, our patients are our priority. Sedation dentistry ensures we can provide patients with comfortable, quality dental care. Whether you’re suffering from dental anxiety or you have a bad gag reflex, sedation can help you get your needed care. As part of our general dentistry services, we provide multiple forms of dental sedation to meet your needs.
What to Expect: Sedation Dentistry in Marshall, TX
We start the process with a consultation in our office. We’ll discuss your current oral health problems and issues you have with dental care. It’s crucial to know your anxiety level or if you have a bad gag reflex. Talk to us about your medical history and current medications, which can impact your eligibility for certain sedation medications.
Types of Dental Sedation
We offer different sedation options to ensure you get the best option for your needs. Our mildest form is nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. You breathe this in through a mask or cannula throughout your procedure. It both takes effect and dissipates quickly, only needing a few breaths. Because of this, it’s the only option where you can drive to and from your appointment by yourself.
Nitrous oxide provides a relaxing, euphoric feeling throughout treatment. You’re still awake and aware of your surroundings but don’t care about what’s happening around you. Because it’s mild, it’s the ideal option for moderate anxiety or procedures on children.
A deeper form of sedation, oral conscious sedation, is given in the form of a prescribed pill you take about an hour before your procedure. It may be a sedative or an anti-anxiety medication, depending on the severity of the anxiety. You’ll need a ride to and from your appointment as it can be active for hours. While conscious, you may experience amnesia and not remember portions of the procedure.
The strongest sedation option is through an IV, administering medication directly to the bloodstream. We usually reserve this for intensive procedures or severe anxiety. Professionals monitor you throughout, ensuring your vitals are good and you get the proper dosage. You’re extremely relaxed and may fall asleep during the procedure.
Benefitting From Sedation Dentistry
The main patient who benefits from sedation is one with dental anxiety. Dental fear occurs on a spectrum. Patients may only be triggered by certain sounds or tools, or they may not even be able to walk into the office. When you don’t get regular dental care, you’re more likely to develop serious problems requiring intensive procedures. Sedation allows patients to get through these deeper procedures and come in for regular dental care.
Children and patients with movement disorders often have trouble sitting still for care. Dentistry is precise and delicate, and dentists use sharp tools. Involuntary movements make it more likely for soft tissue to be harmed and for the dentist to struggle. It’s true with bad gag reflexes as well. Sedation makes it easier for the dentist to do the work quickly and efficiently. Because of this, you spend less time in the dentist office and can have fewer appointments.
Sedation makes things more comfortable for the patient, too. Pain receptors are dulled with sedation so that there’s less pain and discomfort during treatment. This further comforts patients with dental fears who worry about pain.
Sedation Dentistry Aftercare
Proper aftercare is essential to ensure a safe and smooth recovery following sedation dentistry. Below are some key guidelines to follow after receiving dental sedation.
1. Rest and Recovery
After undergoing sedation dentistry, it’s important to give your body time to rest and recover. The effects of sedation can linger for several hours, depending on the type and dosage used. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Take It Easy: Plan to take the rest of the day off from work or other activities. Avoid any strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting for at least 24 hours after your procedure.
- Avoid Operating Machinery: Do not drive a car, operate heavy machinery, or engage in activities that require full alertness until the effects of the sedation have completely worn off. For most patients, this means waiting at least 24 hours.
- Have a Companion: It’s recommended to have a friend or family member accompany you to your appointment and stay with you for a few hours afterward to ensure you’re safe and comfortable during the initial recovery period.
2. Managing Drowsiness and Nausea
Drowsiness and mild nausea are common side effects of sedation, particularly with oral and IV sedation. To manage these symptoms:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help flush the sedative out of your system. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can interfere with the recovery process.
- Eat Lightly: Stick to light, easy-to-digest foods for the first few hours after sedation. Foods like crackers, toast, and applesauce are gentle on the stomach and can help settle any nausea.
- Lie Down If Needed: If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, lie down in a comfortable position with your head slightly elevated. This can help alleviate symptoms and prevent fainting.
3. Follow Post-Procedure Instructions
Your dentist will provide specific aftercare instructions based on the dental procedure you underwent. It’s important to follow these guidelines carefully to promote healing and prevent complications:
- Pain Management: If you were prescribed pain medication, take it as directed. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also help manage discomfort.
- Oral Hygiene: Depending on the procedure, you may need to adjust your oral hygiene routine. Your dentist may recommend avoiding brushing or rinsing for a certain period or using a special mouthwash to prevent infection.
- Dietary Restrictions: You may need to stick to a soft food diet for a few days, especially if you had an invasive procedure such as a tooth extraction or dental implant placement. Avoid hard, crunchy, or hot foods that could irritate the treatment area.
4. Monitor for Complications
While complications from sedation dentistry are rare, it’s important to monitor your condition and seek medical attention if you notice any unusual symptoms:
- Severe Nausea or Vomiting: If nausea persists or you begin vomiting, contact your dentist or healthcare provider.
- Difficulty Breathing or Chest Pain: Seek emergency medical attention if you experience trouble breathing, chest pain, or an irregular heartbeat.
- Prolonged Drowsiness: If you remain excessively drowsy or disoriented for more than 24 hours, contact your dentist.
Schedule a Consultation
Do you think you could benefit from dental sedation? Call us or schedule a consultation online to learn more.