Visiting the dentist can be a frightening and difficult experience for many reasons. You may have a decreased sensitivity to anesthetics and pain relievers; perhaps your child has a disability and doesn’t sit well for appointments; or, you may experience intense anxiety about going to the dentist due to previous trauma.
Whatever the case, you have options for sedation at the dentist. Even still, if you’re relying on sedation to overcome anxiety, uncertainty about the effects can add to your overall anxiety about receiving treatment. To make your experience with sedation dentistry that much easier, here’s what you can expect:
You’ll Receive an At-Home Pill to Take Before the Appointment
Your dentist will prescribe your oral sedative to be taken before your scheduled appointment. The medication can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour to come into effect. Because of this (and because the pill can take up to 24 hours to completely wear off), you will need someone you trust to take you to and from the appointment.
Don’t Take an Uber or Lyft–Call Someone You Trust
Some people are completely conscious and in control when they are under sedation. Many don’t remember the day of their appointments at all. In either case, you are vulnerable. Recruit a loved one to take you to and from the appointment, and have them escort you safely inside and into bed before they go.
Will I Fall Asleep With Oral Sedation?
Oral sedation is conscious sedation. It’s meant to relieve anxiety enough that you can follow commands and endure treatment without emotional upset. However, many people get very sleepy while under oral sedation. If your dentist needs you to stay awake, they will tell you so. Many will allow you to sleep as long as they can still perform the procedure.
If you do fall asleep, it won’t be a deep sleep. The dentist will be able to nudge you awake when they need to.
You Might Not Remember the Appointment
For many with severe dental anxiety, forgetting your appointment is a huge plus. For some, this may make you more anxious. It may be helpful to weigh the possibilities with your dentist to decide if this is a benefit or a disadvantage.
Can I Feel Anything Under Oral Sedation?
You should not be able to feel pain while sedated, but your dentist will still administer local anesthetics to prevent discomfort. You may experience tenderness or soreness after the effects of the medicine wear off, but your dentist can also prescribe medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relief for lasting effects.
Choose Pristine Smiles for Your Dentist in Knoxville, TN
Don’t be afraid to ask your Knoxville dentist about sedation during your next appointment. Whether it’s a routine checkup or a surgical procedure, we can help you experience relief that takes the anxiety out of dental maintenance. At Pristine Smiles, we want to do more for your comfort and well-being during dental appointments, whether through sedation or our old-fashioned Southern hospitality. We aim to put you at ease in whatever way we can.
To schedule an appointment, call 865-234-3152 or fill out our contact form today.
