Sedation Dentistry Side Effects?
There are three main types of sedation dentistry: nitrous oxide, intravenous (IV) sedation, and oral sedation. Each of these has its own pros, cons, risks, benefits, and possible side effects. Because nitrous oxide sedation only lasts as long as the “laughing” gas is being inhaled, patients can freely drive home and return to work after nitrous oxide sedation. With oral and IV sedation, you should rely on a friend or family member to drive you home and let you rest for the remainder of the day, resuming work or driving only after a good night’s sleep. The primary advantage of all types of sedation dentistry is the same: sedation dentistry helps people who would otherwise avoid the dentist get the dental care they need. Sedation dentistry helps patients relax during dental procedures, which allows the dentist to work more quickly and efficiently.
When provided by an experienced, reputable dentist, sedation dentistry methods present only a small risk of complications. Short-term risks include dry mouth, headaches, vomiting or nausea, bruising at the intravenous-needle site, and continued fatigue. In some rare cases, patients may have an allergic reaction; these reactions can be treated with other medications. Additionally, the effects of different types of oral sedation medications are generally unpredictable from patient to patient. Children who’ve had sedation dentistry treatments may be irritable if they’re awake and may snore once they’re asleep. In some cases, sedation dentistry can be an option for pregnant people, with nitrous oxide considered the safest option, though you may prefer to wait until after the pregnancy to receive dental treatment.
The recovery timeline for sedation dentistry varies greatly from person to person, and depending on the type of sedation chosen. Most patients recover from nitrous oxide in under half an hour, while the effects of oral or IV conscious sedation can take up to 24 hours to completely wear off. Your dentist will review your specific recovery expectations, but most people can return to work, school, and driving no less than 24 hours after IV and oral conscious sedation dentistry, and they can resume all normal activity in about 15 to 30 minutes after receiving nitrous oxide. In general, patients should recover from the effects of oral or IV sedation within 24 hours, and any symptoms that arise beyond that point are likely caused by the dental treatment and not the sedation. Patients should call their dentist immediately if, during recovery, they develop a fever, experience nausea or vomiting, or feel consistent pain that won’t improve with recommended treatment.
While it’s safe to eat immediately after sedation, it’s not usually safe to eat immediately after a sedation dentistry appointment, thanks to the numbing effects of local anesthesia. Once the numbness has subsided, start with something you don’t have to chew, like yogurt or a smoothie, and then progress to more substantial food as you feel fit to do so and as directed by your dentist. The postoperative guidelines your dentist provides will have more to do with the condition of your oral tissues than the effects of sedation and will include a list of recommended foods and foods to avoid. In most cases, patients can resume a normal diet within a week, and your dentist will review your expected timeline for recovery and any possible side effects or risks with you as you plan your treatment.