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CHOOSING ORAL SEDATION While some patients prefer IV sedation, oral sedation has become the more popular choice to relieve dental anxiety. If you’re interested in dental sedation follow this Oral Sedation Dentistry Checklist to help you prepare for your next appointment! Don’t let dental anxiety keep you from visiting the dentist. Talk to your dentist to see if oral sedation is right for you and keep these tips in mind for your next appointment so you can stay fear free! Get a Good Night’s Sleep Be Prepared to Take Time Off Work Review Health History with Your Dentist Most dentist will allow you to take the pill yourself the night before your appointment. If that’s the case, you want to give yourself plenty of time to rest. Make sure not to eat or drink anything at least six hours before your appointment unless you’ve been given permission by your dentist. Depending on how long the procedure is, you will want to prepare to take at least half a day or in some cases a whole day off of work to fully recover. Not sure if oral sedation is right for you? If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms you may qualify: Make sure to be transparent about your overall health history and let your dentist know what medications you are currently taking. Stay away from taking other depressents or consuming alcohol prior to your appointment as it can alter the effectiveness of the medication. If you’re smoking or diabetic, it may affect your arrangements before or aſter your appointment. Make Transportation Arrangements If you take medication the night before, you’re going to feel groggy before and aſter the appointment. You will most likely not be cognitively aware enough to drive, so make sure you’ve made arrangements with a friend or family member to get you to and from the dentist. • Having a feeling of extreme fear of the dentist • Having a strong gag reflex • Not being able to stay still in the dental chair because of anxiety • Having a high tolerance to numbing medication like novocaine or local anesthetics • Patients who are afraid of needles and do not want to be IV sedated • Repeatedly canceling dentist appointments • Patients needing a series of treatments done in one visit Is Oral Sedation Right For You?
