Many people experience anxiety when they even think of the dentist, and some dental procedures require the patient to be numbed to go smoothly. Luckily, dental science has developed a plethora of treatments that allow a trained dentist to help a patient sit a little more comfortably through their visits. However, these treatments are not a good fit for everyone. Here are a few reasons why you might not be a suitable candidate for dental sedation.
Reason One: You Don’t Have Dental Anxiety
Many people out there sincerely want to take better care of their oral hygiene but cannot bear to sit through a whole appointment in the dentist’s chair. In cases such as these, dental sedation can allow a patient to remain calm and comfortable while their teeth are thoroughly cleaned and inspected. If a patient does not have dental anxiety or another condition that can make it difficult for them to remain calm during a dental appointment, that patient probably doesn’t need any form of dental sedation.
Reason Two: You Had a Drink Before Your Dental Appointment
Alcohol does not mix well with sedatives. Drinking alcohol before receiving oral or IV sedation at the dentist’s office can cause complications like a drop in blood pressure or difficulty breathing. Using alcohol is not an effective way to cope with the stress of a dental appointment, and your dentist may refuse to treat you if they suspect that you’ve been drinking.
Reason Three: You Have a Stuffy Nose or Respiratory Illness
Laughing gas has been proven to be a safe and effective form of sedation over two hundred years of use in dentistry, but it won’t work if you can’t inhale enough of it. If you have an illness or an allergic reaction that interferes with your airway or requires medication that can slow down your breathing, it may be difficult for you to inhale enough of the gas quickly enough to adequately feel its effects. Your dentist may recommend another form of dental sedation if you aren’t feeling well.
Dental sedation has allowed millions of patients to enjoy the benefits of regular dental appointments. Being clear and honest with your dentist can help them recommend the best form of sedation for you.
About the Author
Dr. Ashley Civetti earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Dentistry at Houston, where she graduated with Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honors. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. Her office in Palm Beach, FL offers general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry as well as dental sedation treatments. For more information on what dental sedation may be able to do for you, contact the office online or dial (561) 771-5239.