Why is this procedure done?
Going to the dentist may cause some people to feel scared, anxious, or worried. Other times, a dental procedure will cause a patient to feel pain. Your dentist may help you deal with the pain and worry by giving you drugs to make you sleepy or to help with pain. ‚
What will the results be?
What you feel will depend upon the type of drugs you are given by your dentist. You may not be able to feel anything except pressure where the dentist is working in your mouth. You may have a relaxed or sleepy feeling before, during, and after the visit. You may also not be able to remember what happened during your visit. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your dentist will take your history. Talk to the dentist about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription, over the counter, and herbal supplements. Tell the dentist if you have any drug allergies. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your dentist if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are: Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your dentist about them.
- How you are feeling the day of your visit. If you are sick, it may not be safe for you to have a procedure done.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- You may not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
- Be sure to follow your dentists orders about what to do before your visit.
What happens during the procedure?
- There are different levels of sedation and pain relief used by dentists. Your dentist will choose the kind of drugs based on your condition, the procedure to be done, and your feelings and fears about each procedure.
- Local anesthesia ¢ ˆ ’ Your dentist may rub or spread a drug on a part of your mouth to get rid of sensations. The dentist may also give a shot of a numbing drug to get rid of sensations for a longer period of time.
- Minimal sedation ¢ ˆ ’ The dentist may ask you to swallow some drugs or they may be given to you through an I.V. Other times, you may breathe in a special gas called nitrous oxide. It is sometimes called laughing gas. During minimal sedation, you are able to breathe on your own and follow commands. These drugs may keep you from remembering what happened during your visit or ease your fears during your visit.
- Moderate sedation ¢ ˆ ’ The dentist may ask you to swallow some drugs or they may be given to you through an I.V. You are very sleepy, but breathing on your own. You respond to touch or when someone talks to you.
- Deep sedation ¢ ˆ ’ You will most often be fully asleep and need breathing help. You will likely have an I.V. for drugs to relax you. The dentist may also use gasses to make you very sleepy.
- Once you have received the anesthesia, the dentist will start to work.
- Be sure to tell the dentist if you start to feel pain at any time during the procedure.
What happens after the procedure?
- Your mouth, cheek, and chin may feel numb for a few hours.
- If you were given minimal, moderate, or deep sedation, you may have to stay at the dentists office until you are fully awake.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your dentist may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
What problems could happen?
- Upset stomach and throwing up
- Coughing or trouble breathing
- Pain
- Feeling tired or sleepy
Where can I learn more?
Academy of General Dentistry ‚
http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=t&iid=287&aid=3810 ‚
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/a/anesthesia-and-sedation ‚
American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists ‚
http://www.asdahq.org/Patients/SedationTypes.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚