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Most individuals ignore visiting the dental clinic due to anxiety and fear. Dentists use a blend of anesthesia and sedation to keep the patient painless and completely relaxed throughout the treatment. Many patients leave the clinic with little or no memory of the procedure. To know more about sedation, read below.

How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?

The dentist near you uses different sedation options. Each has its own purpose. The expert picks the suitable sedation depending on your case and the following factors:

• Your dental anxiety level.
• Length of dental treatment.
• Type of dental procedure.

Do I Need Dental Sedation?

No. Not every person requires sedation dentistry. The following people are the perfect candidates for the treatment:

• Fear of needles or shorts.
• Sensitive teeth.
• The stress of seeing the dentist.
• History of traumatic dental experience.
• Needs complicated dental treatments.
• Failure to handle smell or sounds in a dental office.

What Are the Risks of Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation is safe when performed under the supervision of a licensed health care provider. But it can cause short-term complications like:

• Vomiting and nausea.
• Bruising (from IV sedation).
• Constant Drowsiness.
• Dry mouth.
• Headache.
• Difficulty in predicting the effect of oral sedation medicines.

How Does Being Sedated Feel Like?

The effects of sedation vary from one individual to another. The most common feelings are relaxation and sleep-like state. The patient may feel a tingling sensation all across the body – legs, arms, feet, and hands. Sedation dentistry eradicates stress and negative emotions slowly.

When Can I Drive After Dental Sedation?

No. You cannot drive after IV or oral sedation. You need to wait for one day before driving again. Therefore, you must take someone with you to help you go home after your appointment.

What Drug is Used for IV Sedation in Dentistry?

Propofol is the most commonly used sedative drug used by dentists for sedative purposes.

When Can I Eat?

The patients can instantly drink and eat after the dental appointment. It’s worth waiting till your numbness goes away. You can start with something light and move towards milkshakes or smoothies. The dentist will provide some instructions that will tell you which type of food is safe to consume and which ones to avoid. Within one week, you will return to your eating routine again.

What Are the Essential Things to Take Care of Before and After Getting Sedation?

Below are the pre and post-operative instructions after getting Surrey dentistry:

Pre-operative Instructions

Refrain From Alcohol and Other Drug

It is essential to avoid the consumption of alcohol and other drugs like marijuana for one day before getting sedation. They slow down the effectiveness of sedation. So, it’s best to refrain from using them.

Smoking

The bodies of smokers are highly resistant to sedatives. So, avoid it at all costs after the procedure.

Medicines

It is essential to tell the dentist about what medicines you are taking currently. It will help the expert evaluate whether it will interfere with the sedative and cause any complications. For example, if you are taking medicines other than hypertension or diabetes, the dentist advises you to avoid sedation dentistry.

Clothing and Accessories

Before the sedation dental treatment in Surrey, the dentist advises you to wear comfy cloth on the day of your procedure. It is also essential to remove if you are wearing other accessories that could get in the way.

Drinks and Food

It is vital to avoid drinking or eating anything, mainly caffeine-based drinks 8 hours before getting the sedative. Doing this will increase the risk during the procedure.

Post-Operative Instructions

Heavy Lifting

Avoid engaging yourself in lifting heavy things in the first 24 hours after dental sedation.

Driving

It is unsafe to drive in the initial 24 hours after undergoing sedation dentistry.

Using Dangerous Devices or Machines

Dentists also advise avoiding operating dangerous machinery or equipment till 24 hours have passed after sedation.

Stairs

Avoid climbing stairs in the first 24 hours after getting the sedation dentistry. Doing this will increase the risk of falling and getting injured.

Making Important Decisions

Hold off on making essential decisions in the first 24 hours after the procedure. It’s because you are not in the best state of mind to think appropriately and make the correct decisions.