Going to the dentist probably isn’t your first choice for how you like to spend your personal time, but dental sedation can be a convenient way to make your visit a little more comfortable. If your dentist recommends using sedation during your next appointment, you’ll need to take a few steps to make sure you are prepared.
Dental sedatives are medications (usually in the form of pills or IV) that help reduce anxiety & keep you calm during your procedure. They are safe & effective for most patients, but they can also be quite strong, so it’s important to carefully follow our advice & any specific instructions given to you by your dentist.
Discuss Your Medical History
It’s a good idea to make sure your dentist is up to date on your medical records whenever you come see us. If you’ve had any new diagnoses or prescriptions since you were last here, please let us know.
This is especially crucial before undergoing sedation. There is a small chance that your medication might interact with the sedative, which may make it necessary to adjust your treatment plan. In some cases you may need to temporarily stop taking one of your medications, but only with your doctor’s approval.
Have a Responsible Driver
Sedation can make you feel pretty good, but it comes with a major side effect: drowsiness. After a dental appointment with sedation, you’ll likely be very groggy & uncoordinated.
If you’ve ever accompanied someone who has received sedation, you also know that it can make people a bit loopy. While it may be amusing to watch their bizarre behavior, a sedated patient behind the wheel of a car is no laughing matter.
Always ask a trusted friend or family member to drive you to & from your appointment if you need sedation. Your driver will need to stay at the office for your entire visit, so make sure they clear their schedule & focus on looking after you.
Final Preparations
Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before your sedation dentistry appointment. If you need to take any medications beforehand, it’s okay to take them with a sip of water.
On the day of your appointment, we recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing so we can easily monitor your vital signs & insert an IV if necessary. Leave any accessories, jewelry & cosmetics at home; they’ll just get in the way or you might even lose them.
Just follow these steps & you’ll be sure to have a pleasant, stress-free dental experience!