Anyone who gets more than a little nervous when visiting the dentist might have a hard time sitting still or staying relaxed during their stay. Patients of all ages are sometimes good candidates for sedation dentistry, which is a practice that uses local anesthesia to greatly relax the body. Sedation is recommended even when a procedure is not painful, as it is used to calm anxiety in those too scared to rationalize the benefits of going to the dentist. Is sedation safe for pregnant patients?
Is Sedation Safe for Pregnant Patients?
If you are someone who gets scared visiting the dentist and you want a safe and effective way to stay relaxed throughout your treatment, then sedation dentistry is right for you. However, there are some conditions and situations that might cause sedation to be a little too risky. Is sedation safe for pregnant patients, for example? Are there any side effects? Learn more in this short guide below.
How Sedation Dentistry Works
Dentists can use a special medication that can sedate patients during an in-office treatment. This medication is available in different quantities, providing different levels of sedation to accommodate different needs. Some patients feel nervous but might only need mild sedation in order to relax. Others might feel so scared that a more intense level of sedation is needed to keep them calm.
A dentist will offer sedation as a viable option whenever a patient is expressing discomfort and fear. It is natural to feel apprehensive when visiting the dentist, especially when you are about to undergo a major procedure like a deep cleaning or a root canal. That is why sedation dentistry is available to numb your pain and relax your muscles so you can feel much more peaceful throughout your procedure.
Pregnancy and Sedation
It may surprise you to learn that dental sedation can be safe for pregnant patients, but there are a few extra considerations that come into play to ensure that the unborn baby remains safe. Just like all of our patients, every pregnant person is different and therefore will require a personal consultation to determine the level of sedation dentistry one will need.
Though a majority of dentists agree that sedation dentistry remains safe to use on pregnant patients, most recommend to at least wait until the second trimester to go forward with dental sedation. There is a chance that the medication can get through the placenta, affecting the baby and potentially interrupting its development. Your dentist will be able to inform you of all the risks so that you can knowledgeably make a decision about sedation dentistry.
Treat Yourself After Sedation
Sedation can help you relax during your dental procedure, preventing you from getting too nervous or anxious to go through with treatment. After your procedure, the sedation may still have an effect on your body. You should have a friend or family member with you to take care of you for at least 24 hours following your procedure, as you may feel light-headed and woozy for a little while.
Make sure you avoid driving, using tools, and moving around too much for at least a day after going to the dentist. If you are feeling nauseous or severely dizzy, you should get in contact with your dentist right away. Try to resume a normal eating schedule as soon as you can to help your body heal faster.
Get Professional Sedation Dentistry in Beverly Hills
Being afraid of the dentist is normal no matter how old you are. If you have a dental procedure on the horizon and you are feeling a bit on edge, make sure to contact Dr. Maz and inquire about the benefits of sedation dentistry. We can help you stay calm in a safe and relaxing way while you get the dental healthcare that you need.