Does Sedation Dentistry Cause Side Effects?

Even minor dental procedures can seem overwhelming and stressful when you have dental anxiety. Or maybe you have a low threshold for pain and need more than a standard anesthetic to get through a dental procedure. Sedation dentistry allows you to get the dental care you need with minimal discomfort.

At Scott Young, DDS, our dentists Dr. Scott Young, Dr. Kathleen Akers, and our dental team offer a range of general and cosmetic dentistry services at our office in The Woodlands, Texas.

Does sedation dentistry cause side effects?

If you’ve never tried sedation dentistry or have questions about how it works, contact us before your appointment to review your options. Sedation dentistry is safe and side effects are generally mild, so much so that it’s available for children as well as adults. 

Everyone reacts to medication differently. Some of the most common possible side effects of sedation dentistry include:

• Feeling lightheaded or groggy for a short time after your procedure
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Temporary memory loss or confusion

Many people undergo sedation dentistry and experience little to no side effects or find that they wear off shortly after the procedure.

If you have underlying health conditions or are taking medication, let us know before your appointment and consult with your physician to ensure that sedation dentistry is appropriate for you. You should also have someone accompany you to your appointment to drive you home after your procedure.

Types of sedation dentistry

Our team will recommend the best type of sedation dentistry for you depending on your situation, the dental procedure you’re getting, and your health and medical profile. Before your procedure, our team will let you know if sedation dentistry is right for you.

There are a few types of sedation available ranging from light to general anesthesia. With light sedation, you’ll feel relaxed and comfortable but remain fully awake. Moderate sedation (also referred to as conscious sedation) puts you into a deeper state of relaxation. You’re technically awake, but you won’t be very aware of the procedure as our dentists work.

Deep sedation induces what’s known as “twilight sleep,” where you'll feel like you’re just on the edge of consciousness without falling completely asleep. With general anesthesia, you’ll be completely unconscious for the procedure. (General anesthesia may have additional and more severe side effects than milder forms of sedation dentistry.)

Healthy patients with dental anxiety, low pain tolerance, or special needs may be good candidates for sedation dentistry.

For more information about how sedation dentistry works and whether it’s right for you, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists at our office in The Woodlands, Texas.