How A Smart Patient Prepares For Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry allows you to have a dental procedure that is pain-free, fast and relaxed. However, you shouldn't just show up for your appointment without any preparation. As a smart patient, you need to play your part to ensure the success of the procured. Here are some useful tips for the preparation:

Remove Contact Lenses

It is not advisable to wear contact lenses while under sedation; the lenses may irritate your eyes. This is the same thing that happens when you sleep with contact lenses. If you wear the contacts for cosmetic purposes, then you can even leave them at home. If you need them to see well, then you can wear conventional glasses instead.

Keep the Makeup Minimal

Looking good for your dental appointment is good, but you shouldn't do it with heavy makeup. Using heavy makeup may mask any changes in your skin. The dental team needs to monitor you while under sedation. For example, they need to know if your skin is pale, which may mean that the sedation fluid is outside the intravascular space. They may fail to notice this if your skin is covered with makeup. This includes your nails, hands, and lips.

Bring a Container for Your Dentures

Another smart preparation tip is to remove your dentures. This allows your dentist to have absolute access of your oral cavity. Don't worry if you have to wear them every day, you can just carry a suitable container and remove them at the dentist's office. The same advice applies to other things that may obstruct your teeth such as dental jewelry.

Be Candid About Your Medical History

Your medical history may affect the kind of sedation you receive, so it is important that you be candid about it. Tell the dentist about any medications you are taking, health conditions you may have and even your pregnancy status.

Understand the Associated Risks

Lastly, you should also understand the associated risks before accepting sedation dentistry. The dentist will hand you a list of possible complications, which you should read and understand. Ask for clarifications on anything you may not understand. The risks are there, but you shouldn't be worried if you are dealing with an experienced dentist.

These are some of the general guidelines (although they don't necessarily apply to general dentistry); your dental team will give you specific instructions that you should follow to the letter. In as much as it is the dentist who is trained to offer you quality care, you also have a part to play to ensure that this is so.


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