Health Upp Oral Sedation Dentistry – Dental anxiety is real. Thousands of people suffer from this condition where a visit to the dentist’s office makes them extremely nervous. And when the said visit is for an invasive procedure like getting dental implants, it becomes difficult to stay calm and sit still in the dentist’s chair.
If you too are extremely nervous about undergoing a dental procedure, you can avail the option of sedation. Sedation dentistry is used along with local anesthetics to minimize your discomfort and help you feel relaxed and comfortable while performing any dental procedure.
Several dental clinics offer this option for their patients who are nervous. Scared or have an extremely low threshold of pain. There are 3 different ways you can be sedated-
- Nitrous Oxide inhalation
- IV sedation
- Oral sedation
Of the three, oral sedation is the most popular method due to its ease of use. The sedative drug is to be taken orally before the procedure begins to calm your nerves. And like any other drug, one wonders what is the best way to take this drug? On an empty stomach or with a meal?
So we got in touch with a team of cosmetic dentists from Stone Oaks Aesthetics who provide sedation dentistry in San Antonio to find out the answer.
To Eat Or Not to Eat before Oral Sedation?
When you choose oral sedation, your dentist will prescribe you a sedative pill that you need to swallow before your appointment. The pill takes time to work so you may be asked to take it before you arrive at the clinic.
This sedative pill releases chemicals that signal your brain to relax your body and thus prevents any jitters or anxiety. So by the time your dentist begins the procedure, you will be completely at ease.
Since there are different classes of sedatives used, the dietary instructions vary for each patient. So your dentist will provide you with specific instructions that are to be followed.
If your procedure requires local anesthesia, you will likely not be able to eat for 1-2 hours after your appointment as well. So you can ask your dentist to schedule your visit first thing in the morning to avoid staying hungry throughout the day.
While you cannot eat food, it is okay to drink clear fluids like water or tea(without milk) before your appointment. This will help you stay hydrated.
Oral sedation is a safe and effective way to make your dental visit stress-free. If you are looking to transform your smile but feel anxious about dental procedures. Stone Oaks Aesthetics offers sedation dentistry to help you feel relaxed and comfortable. They have some of the best cosmetic dentists in San Antonio who provide a range of dental services to create a beautiful smile for you. So call them today to know more about their oral sedation services.