If you experience fear or anxiety during dental procedures, you can consider sedation dentistry. This is where medications are used to help patients relax and stay calm throughout the treatment. There are a few things you can do to prepare for this.
You can look for a dentist in your local area that offers sedation dentistry.
You can find a Cleveland dentist that offers minimal to deep sedation depending on your requirements. There is nitrous oxide or laughing gas that is used as a mild sedative. It is inhaled through a mask so that you can relax. You will remain conscious through this procedure. There are also medications to take so that a moderate level of sedation can be provided. You will be drowsy but awake with oral sedation. A deeper level of sedation can be achieved with intravenous or IV sedation. Here, sedative drugs will be administered through an IV line. With IV sedation, you will not remember much of the procedure. For complex procedures, general anaesthesia will be used and here you will be completely unconscious. Before the sedation dentistry appointment, you need to have a consultation with your dentist where you will discuss your medical history, allergies and current medications. It is important to have this information provided to the dentist so that they can decide the right level and type of sedation needed.
You have to inform
The dentist on any medical conditions you have including diabetes, heart problems or respiratory issues. You also need to have a list of all the medications you are taking currently. This should include over-the-counter medications, supplements and vitamins. If you have had any adverse reactions to sedation or anaesthesia in the past, you need to let the dentist know. You also have to inform them whether you use tobacco and alcohol. For some types of sedation such as IV or oral sedation, you may need to fast. You will be asked to avoid eating or drinking for at least six to eight hours before the appointment. This way, complications such as nausea or vomiting during the procedure can be prevented. You will also be provided detailed instructions based on the type of sedation that you will receive.
If you are undergoing
IV sedation, oral sedation or general anaesthesia, you need to have somebody drive you to the appointment and back. Your judgement and motor skills will be impaired by these sedatives so that it is unsafe for you to operate a vehicle. You will need to have a responsible adult accompany you and stay with you for a few hours after the procedure as well until the effects of sedation wears off. You also need to wear loose and comfortable clothing for the appointment as your movement can be restricted by tight clothing or accessories. Short sleeves will be a better option if you are receiving IV sedation. There may be medications that will be prescribed to you before the appointment especially if you are undergoing oral sedation. You need to follow the instructions carefully and take the medication at the time that is specified.
