Dental sedation is a remarkable provision. It can dull the body’s pain and anxiety responses, allowing patients to enjoy a stress-free dental care experience. Plus, it is suitable for the vast majority of people. But is dental sedation right for you? This blog post discusses some contraindications that might mean you should skip sedation.
You Have No Dental Fear or Anxiety
If you have always had positive dental care experiences in the past, or if your mouth is not particularly sensitive, you may not have any fear or anxiety about upcoming treatments. That is a good thing! Sedation is often recommended to help soothe nervousness surrounding dental procedures, so if you are free of such feelings, you can save a little money by declining offers of sedation.
You Are Pregnant
The medications used in dental sedation may pass through the placenta and have negative effects on a developing fetus or embryo. But don’t worry — local anesthesia is still totally safe for you and your baby!
You Have Certain Allergies
If you have a known allergy to any of the medications that are used for sedation, it would be too risky to use those medications on you. Fortunately, you might be eligible for other types of sedation. For example, if oral conscious sedation is not right for you, you might be a candidate for nitrous oxide instead.
You Have Certain Respiratory Issues
If you have a cold or allergies that are causing nasal congestion, they might prevent you from being approved for nitrous oxide. Since nitrous oxide is inhaled through the nose, congestion could prevent it from taking full effect.
Chronic bronchitis or respiratory diseases could bar you from undergoing oral conscious sedation. It uses medications that can slow down breathing, which could spell bad news if your lungs are already compromised.
You Drank Alcohol before Your Appointment
You might be tempted to enjoy a glass of wine to help you relax before your dental appointment, but consuming any alcohol before you are sedated is a bad idea. The sedatives could interact with the alcohol and cause dangerous complications.
You Are Taking Certain Medications
Certain substances can prevent sedatives from working, while others may cause dangerous interactions. Be sure to tell your dentist about any supplements, vitamins, prescription medications, and over-the-counter medications that you are taking so they can thoroughly assess whether sedation is right for you.
Dental sedation can benefit most people, but there are some exceptions. Regardless of whether or not you are a candidate for it, you can be sure that your dentist will strive to make your treatment as comfortable as possible.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Erin Page has well over a decade of experience in her field. She proudly offers nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation in our state-of-the-art Schenectady dental office. If you have questions about dental sedation, our team would be pleased to speak with you. Contact us at 518-374-0317.