Given the positive impact that sedation or sleep dentistry can have, we often work with patients of other dentists as well. During the initial consultation, we will examine teeth and gums to determine what oral health problems exist before making a plan for how to treat them. During this initial appointment, we will also discuss sedation and what can be expected from it. Some of the questions that we regularly hear revolve around what possible side effects sleep dentistry may have.
With that in mind, here is what you need to know:
There are typically very few side effects. Most people can handle sedation without any problems. However, any time that you visit the dentist, it is important to discuss any allergies or other health problems that you have so that we can take those facts into consideration when planning for your dental treatments. As a sleep dentist, we may recommend, for example, that a diabetic delay treatment until their blood sugar is under control.
You shouldn't eat for twelve hours beforehand. This is true for any time that you receive sedation whether it is in our dental office or at the hospital. Making sure that you have an empty stomach, prevents the risk of accidentally choking.
You may feel thirsty afterwards. In fact, most people do. We recommend that you continue to drink a lot of water while recovering. The easiest way to do so is to buy a water bottle with a straw. Since your mouth may be sore, this can be a preferred method of drinking. Be sure to remain hydrated during your recovery.
It is normal to feel drowsy afterwards. As a sleep dentist, we will monitor you while you are waking up to ensure that you come out of the sedation without any issues. We do not, however, recommend that you drive home. Instead, have someone take you to your appointment and pick you up so that you can get home safely. Driving while drowsy is incredibly dangerous and can increase your risk of getting into a car wreck. Avoid this situation by planning ahead.
You will need rest. We recommend that you plan on resting for twelve hours following your procedure. Watch some movies, read a good book, or go to sleep. Since sedation can make you drowsy, this may happen naturally anyway and sleep is one way that the body recharges so that you can heal faster.
As a sleep dentist, we find very few, if any, side effects from sedation and recommend that you schedule a consultation to discuss any further questions you may have.
