The Known Side Effects of Dental Sedation

For the majority of patients, dental sedation is perfectly safe and they experience few or no side effects when they use it. This is why it’s a great option for people who have invasive procedures, dental work that takes a long time, or who are afraid of the dentist.

No drug or medication is perfect for everyone. Every medication comes with at least a few side effects, even if they’re rare for most people. Before you talk to a dentist in Mesa or Phoenix about dental sedation, make sure you understand the potential risks and side effects.

Nitrous Oxide Side Effects

Nitrous oxide or laughing gas is one of the most common and gentlest forms of dental sedation available. It’s so safe that even children can use it with little to no problems. But in the wrong dose and in some patients, there are very real side effects.

• Getting the giggles. This is the most pleasant of the side effects and the reason nitrous oxide is known as “laughing gas.”
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headaches
• Feeling faint, lightheaded, or dizzy
• Blurry vision
• Feeling sleeping
• Excessive shivering or sweating

Most of these side effects occur when the level of nitrous oxide is too high for them.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation is a good way for patients with severe dental phobias or anxieties to get the care they need without feeling too anxious or scared. Patients are prescribed anti-anxiety medication — a pill to take the night before the procedure and a pill to take a few hours before. Some side effects are common among most patients, and others occur only in rare cases.

• Forgetting the entire dental procedure even though you’re awake for it
• Unable to drive home from the appointment or remember the care instructions. This is why you need to bring a responsible adult with you for your procedure.
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headaches

IV Sedation

IV sedation isn’t a common option for most patients and is often used in the most extreme cases of phobia or for very invasive or long dental surgeries. This form of dental sedation is administered through medication is given intravenously in your veins.

• Minor bruising, swelling, or bleeding where you receive the IV injection
• Falling asleep during the procedure or feeling very tired
• Not being aware of what’s going on around you or forgetting it all later
• Unable to drive home from the appointment or remember the care instructions. This is why you need to have a responsible adult with you for your procedure.
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headaches

How to Avoid Severe Side Effects

The side effects of dental sedation are extremely rare, but as with any dental procedure, you should be aware of the possibilities. The best way to avoid major side effects is to share your complete medical history with your dentist when discussing your sedation options. They need to know what, if any, medical conditions you have and all of the medications you take, including vitamins and supplements. Any of these could interfere with the medication you receive and how your body reacts to it.

Not every patient is a good candidate for more invasive forms of sedation like oral or IV options. Your medical history may affect the dosage you need. Your dental health is connected to your medical health so all of these things are important to share. Doing so will reduce any unpleasant side effects and make sure your dental procedure has a better chance of success.

Conclusion

If you think you may need sedation for your next dental procedure, talk to your dentist and find out what will be safest for you to use. Looking for a dentist in Phoenix or Mesa? Find someone who will give you honest answers, help you find the right solution, and make sure you have the best dental care possible.