About this topic
Going to the dentist may cause some people to feel scared 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. You may not be able to feel anything but pressure where the dentist is working in your mouth. You may also not be able to remember what happened during your visit. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- You may need a family member or a friend to drive you home.
- Ask your dentist what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you understand everything the dentist says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- If you arrive home and are unsure how to care for yourself, call your dentist.
- You may have special instructions to care for your mouth after your procedure. Follow these instructions from your dentist.
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
Will physical activity be limited?
- You may have to limit your activity for the first few days. You may need to avoid driving or operating machinery.
- Talk to your dentist about the right amount of activity for you.
What changes to diet are needed?
- Take extra care when chewing and eating if your mouth is still numb.
- Ask your dentist when it is safe to go back to your normal diet.
What problems could happen?
- Upset stomach and throwing up
- Feeling pain
- Coughing or trouble breathing
- Swelling or redness
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Numbness that lasts for over 4 hours
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you when I can go back to my normal diet.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have numbness for more than 4 hours.
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. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚