It is understandably difficult to sit still in the dentist’s chair, no matter how old or experienced you are. Going to the dentist is intimidating for a lot of folks who fear pain and discomfort during treatment. That is why our Chino Hills experts have developed techniques and practices to keep patients feeling calm throughout the entire office visit. With available tools like sedation dentistry, you can relax your whole body without having to go through intensive anesthesia. But can you have dental sedation while pregnant?
Can You Have Dental Sedation While Pregnant?
This inventive option is a good solution for many patients, but it can still bring about plenty of valid questions. Does dental sedation work the same as general anesthesia? Can you have dental sedation while pregnant? Are there any risks? Keep reading as we explore the details of dental sedation.
About Sedation Dentistry
Some dental treatments require intensive treatment, which can be painful without the help of a sedative. However, it is not necessary to numb the entirety of your body just to perform good dental care. That is why dentists have come up with a more localized, topical anesthetic option. With sedation dentistry, you can receive varying amounts of sedation that will make you feel calm, relaxed, or even sleepy while reducing your sensitivity to pain.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
There are a few ways that you can experience sedation dentistry when you visit your dentist. Depending on the type of treatment you are scheduled for, as well as the current state of your oral health, you might be a great candidate for one of our sedative options. As an example, light sedation is a good idea for those who are feeling too nervous to sit still but can calm down easily. Heavier sedation doses are available for patients who are extremely scared or too sensitive to pain to remain calm during the visit.
Is Sedation Dentistry Available for Pregnant Patients?
It is possible and often vital to continue receiving dental care while pregnant. However, certain treatments and imaging processes might end up altered to keep the pregnancy and the unborn baby safe. Sedation dentistry is completely safe for pregnant patients, although it is a good idea to have a discussion with your dentist before you opt into one of our sedative treatments. Most dentists will want you to wait until your second trimester before performing sedation dentistry. This is because there is a chance that the sedation medication can make its way to the placenta during the early months.
Everyone’s body is different, so it can be difficult to tell whether or not you will automatically qualify as a candidate for sedation dentistry. For the most part, you should be able to access varying levels of sedation to make your dental visit a lot more comfortable and relaxing. Make sure you know all of the advantages and risks of sedation before moving forward with your trusted dentist.
Preparing for Sedation
It is natural to feel nervous before any kind of dental procedure. If you are pregnant and you have decided to use sedation dentistry during your next treatment, you can prepare by recruiting a friend or family member to be your rock. You will need a support system while you receive care, and you might even need someone to drive you home as the effects of the sedation medication wear off.
As soon as your treatment is complete, you can resume your normal schedule. You should be able to eat and drink, and the dentist will recommend that you do so as soon as you can to avoid getting too dizzy or weak.
Sign Up for Sedation Dentistry Today
If you want to learn more about the benefits and possible risks of sedation dentistry while pregnant, you can find a wealth of information with us. Visit your local Chino Hills dentist to sign up for a dental health assessment and we will get you started on an individual plan of care.