Oral sedation has minimal side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, and confusion or memory loss during the dental procedure. However, certain people, such as those who are obese or those who have obstructive sleep apnea, should talk to their doctor before receiving sedation as they are more likely to develop complications from anesthesia. For most patients, dental sedation is perfectly safe and they experience little or no side effects when using it. This is why it's a great option for people who undergo invasive procedures, who require a lot of time, or who are afraid of going to the dentist.
Dental sedation relaxes all muscles to the point of entering a trance-like state, so you may feel heavy or lazy afterwards. This is very normal and it is not recommended that anyone drive home alone or operate any type of heavy or complex machinery after undergoing sedation. In fact, doing so while you are sedated is illegal. This is partly why a third party is required to drive you home.
As with many things in life, no medical professional can say with absolute certainty that the use of anesthesia involves no risk. However, it's a proven practice and is generally safe when administered by trained professionals. Qualified dentists will monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure and will have oxygen and medications available to reverse the effects of hand sedation. You will continue to receive local anesthesia to numb your teeth and gums, but the dentist will usually do this once you are comfortable with the sedatives.
Some dentists use an anesthesiologist, who is specially trained to administer all levels of sedation and anesthesia to both children and adults. To make the procedure easier, dentists safely administer a sedative to help you relax during oral surgery or any uncomfortable dental procedure. Your healthcare provider delivers sedative medications directly into the bloodstream through an IV. If you've been given oral or intravenous sedation, you'll have to wait a full 24 hours before driving again.
With oral conscious sedation, the dentist gives you a sedative medication (usually in pill form) about an hour before the procedure begins. Ultimately, sedation dentistry removes an obstacle to dental care and helps patients achieve better oral health and more beautiful smiles without fear or anxiety getting in the way. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is one of the most common and gentle forms of dental sedation available. Because the dentist usually works faster when you're sedated, this can result in fewer appointments.
Before talking to a dentist in Mesa or Phoenix about dental sedation, make sure you understand the possible risks and side effects associated with this type of treatment. It's important to ensure that your dentist is trained and qualified to administer the type of sedation you will receive. Additionally, a third party must be present to drive you home after the procedure due to the effects of anesthesia on memory and motor skills.
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