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Sedation Dentistry 101: Allergic Reaction To Anesthesia

by | Oct 16, 2020 | Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry, Sedation Dentistry

Whether young or old, it’s common to feel anxious when talking about a visit to the dentist. The good thing is, most dental clinics now make sure that their facility has a friendly and comfortable environment. Like in some pediatric dental practices, they have playrooms for their young patients. This helps the patients manage their dental fear. However, there may be some that still need assistance in keeping themselves calm during dental treatment. In that case, the dentist offers sedation dentistry.

Sedation dentistry

With sedation, dentists can help their patients relax and calm down during dental procedures. This becomes necessary so the patient can receive dental care at once and not worsen the problem. 

To do this, the dentist administers the medication to the patient in varying dosages depending on their needs. When the sedative enters the patient’s system, they begin to feel relaxed and still. Pediatric dentists find this method helpful for them and the child to achieve a pleasant dental experience. 

Some critical reminders for patients when considering sedation:

  • Make sure to eat less or do fasting, depending on your dentist’s instructions, at least eight hours before their treatment.
  • Inform the dentist if you have maintenance medicines or allergic reactions to anything. 

Types of sedation

  1. Nitrous oxide – also known as laughing gas, is given to the patient through inhalation. The patient wears a mask over their face and inhales the odourless gas. Immediately they will feel calm and ready for their dental treatment while still being conscious. 
  2. Oral sedation – another type of sedation that patients take orally. The dentist gives the patient a pill that they swallow, and it may take a few minutes to take effect. That’s why patients should take them about an hour before the dental procedure. Once the medication kicks in, the patient will feel comfortable and conscious in the dentist’s chair. 
  3. IV sedation – intravenous or IV sedation is given to the patient through a shot. Within a few minutes, the patient will achieve a relaxed state but not asleep. However, the patient may not remember the entirety of the procedure.
  4. General anesthesia – is more appropriate for patients who will be under a lengthy procedure. Especially for kids, anesthesia will keep them comfortable throughout the treatment. The patient feels no pain because they will be asleep while the medication is in effect.

Are you allergic to anesthesia?

An allergic reaction is one reason why a patient will not be suitable for sedation or anesthesia. However, not everyone knows if they’re allergic to anesthesia or not. It’s best to consult your dentist beforehand to avoid complications during your dental treatment. A mild allergic reaction to anesthesia shows such as the following symptoms:

  • Skin rashes or hives
  • Itchiness on the skin
  • Swelling on the face, usually around the eyes or lips
  • Sudden excessive coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Blood pressure dropping

What happens if allergic reactions occur after getting anesthesia?

Sometimes, patients who seem to have no known allergy become sensitive to anesthesia when given the medication. When you suddenly suffer allergic reactions after your dentist or anesthesiologist give you the dose, do not fret. Calmly report the sensation that you feel and not panic. Rest assured that these experts are trained to recognize the symptoms of allergic reactions easily. They will treat these signs right away and avoid complications. 

What are the side effects of sedation or anesthesia?

Your dentist will closely monitor your vital signs after your dental procedure as the medication starts to wear off. This is to make sure that you will recover smoothly and feel comfortable as you wake up. However, the feeling of nausea and disorientation are still common side effects after being under sedation or anesthesia. Nevertheless, it’s less likely that you will vomit or pass out. 

The takeaway

There are plenty of frequently asked questions regarding anesthesia. If your dentist already told you that you would be given sedative or anesthesia for the type of procedure you will be having, ask away. Your dentist needs to hear your apprehensions before the dental treatment to assure you. By far, this medication has changed the way patients perceive dentistry. If not for sedation dentistry, all patients would still cringe just hearing the word dentist. 

Just make sure that your Aurora dentist has good reviews from its patients. You must deal with a highly-skilled and highly experienced professional to ensure your dental visit’s safety and quality.

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