New Haven Dental Group is a 42 North Dental Care, PLLC practice and is owned and operated by dentists Dr. Samuel Shames, DDM. and Dr. Ronald Weissman, DDM. Gentle Dental is supported by 42 North Dental, LLC, a dental support organization that provides non-clinical administrative and business support services to the practice. 42 North Dental, LLC does not own or operate the dental practice or employ dentists to provide dental services. Find more information about 42 North Dental, LLC and the dental practices it supports at 42northdental.com.
Sedation dentistry is a wonderful provision that has helped millions of patients to discover an easier, more convenient dental care experience. It has many benefits, especially for individuals who need to undergo complex treatment. But is it right for you? Your dentist can help you answer that question. In the meantime, you may gain some valuable insight by reviewing this list of signs that you might not be a candidate for this provision.
Dental Treatment Is Easy for You
Some individuals experience no fear, anxiety, or serious discomfort during dental treatments. They do not have a highly sensitive gag reflex, have not experienced dental trauma in the past, and are free of medical conditions that make it difficult for them to sit still. If those things are true of you, that is wonderful! You will probably be able to breeze through your next procedure with just local anesthetic.
You Are Pregnant
There are some extreme, emergency situations in which sedation might be appropriate for pregnant individuals. In most cases, though, pregnant women should either go without sedation or wait until after they give birth to be sedated. The sedatives might get passed through the placenta to your developing baby.
You Have Certain Allergies or Respiratory Conditions
If you have known allergies to sedative medications, your dentist will not administer them to you. Similarly, it is important to note that sedation can slow down your breathing. If you have pre-existing respiratory conditions, you should be sure to disclose them to your dentist. Depending on their nature and severity, sedation might not be safe for you.
You Are Taking Certain Medications
Some medications can cause dangerous interactions with the sedatives used in dentistry. Be sure to provide your care team with a full list of supplements, prescriptions, and over-the-counter medications that you are taking. You might have to stop taking some of them before your dental procedure (or forgo sedation altogether).
You Drank Alcohol Too Close to Your Appointment Time
Alcohol and sedatives are not a good combination. Together, they might cause your blood pressure to drop dangerously low or interfere with your ability to breathe properly. Instead of having a drink before your appointment to help you relax, try other techniques. For example, you might listen to some uplifting music or try some breathing exercises.
Dental sedation is indispensable for many people, but it is not right for everyone! Talk to your dentist to find out if it is a good fit for your situation.
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental Group has been serving our community for decades. We proudly offer multiple types of sedation for patients who are nervous about their treatment. We also place a strong emphasis on safety, so we thoroughly screen patients to make sure sedation is safe and appropriate for them. To learn more about how we may be able to serve you, contact our New Haven, CT, office at 203-712-4068.