Side Effects Sedation Dentistry

It is estimated that 15% of all adults suffer from some form of dental anxiety. This can arise for various reasons, but these 30 to 40 million adults struggle with the idea of visiting the dentist. In some cases, the anxiety can be so severe that it becomes completely debilitating and prevents the person from following through on basic dental cleanings and procedures. When this happens, it puts the person’s oral health at risk.

If you are one of these people you may be trying to find answers to solve this problem. Luckily, there are many forms of sedation available to you to help you with your anxiety. The one that is right for you will depend on a few factors, most notably the level of your anxiety and the type of procedure that you are having. All of the types of sedation dentistry columbus ohio have their own set of costs and side effects and it is important to be aware of them prior to the procedure.

What types of sedation are available?

There are essentially four types of dental sedations available: oral sedation, IV sedation, inhalation sedation, and general anesthesia. Oral sedation is a type of sedation administered by a pill. This pill can be given the night before or up to 30 minutes prior to the dental procedure depending on the level of anxiety and type of oral sedation. IV sedation is given just prior to the dental procedure. It has an almost instantaneous effect. You are neither awake nor asleep and you will not remember the procedure at all. This is sometimes referred to as conscious sedation. Inhaling nitrous oxide is another form of sedation. In this case, just prior to the procedure you will be given nitrous oxide. This has the effect of instant relaxation. Lastly, general anesthesia is sometimes needed in extremely invasive procedures or extreme levels of anxiety. General anesthesia works the same as in a hospital operating room. You are completely unconscious for the duration of the procedure.

What are the side effects?

Each type of sedation has its own individual level of side effects. Each person also responds to each type of sedation differently so there is no “one size fits all” set of side effects. If you have experienced side effects from anesthesia before, you will probably experience similar side effects. Similarly, if you have had side effects from sleeping medication or pain relievers, the side effects will probably be similar. Some of the most general side effects that are experienced are the following:

  • Drowsiness: It is very common for patients to feel groggy or drowsy after any of the types of sedation. It is important to be aware that this will happen to you so that you can arrange for a ride home and clear your schedule for the rest of the day. You will definitely feel like taking a nap when you are done.
  • Dry Mouth: It is also very common to have dry mouth following the administration of any of the sedations. This side effect is short-lived and easily curable by drinking lots of water.
  • Headache: Sometimes patients will have a headache following the administration of the sedation. This can last a short time to a few hours and is easily treated with over the counter pain relievers.
  • Fogginess: It is very common to feel foggy following sedation. This feeling will eventually go away. It is important to make sure that you have someone to drive you home because of this. The best way to overcome this side effect is through time and good nap.

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