Sedation Dentistry – Are there any negative side effects?

Few things are absolutely perfect and any medical procedure has some risks.  This is also true with sedation dentistry.  The American Dental Association states that sedation used in dentistry carries the same risk as sedation used in any other medical procedure.  As long as sedation dentistry is performed by a skilled qualified dental professional there are seldom negative side effects.

An easily avoidable side effect is a negative interaction between the sedative and a medication the patient is taking.  This can usually be prevented if the patient gives the dentist a complete medical history.

Amnesia surrounding the procedure does sometimes occur as a result of taking IV or oral sedation.  Whether this is a positive or negative depends on the point of view of the patient.  Some people don’t want to remember anything about the procedure.  If a patient is at all concerned about safety during the procedure, they can ask a friend or relative to be present. Many dentists insist on this.

IV or Oral sedation takes some time to wear off and the patient will not be able to drive home. So a caregiver will need to accompany them.

Dr. VanderMolen has the experience and expertise in Sedation Dentistry you need for a successful procedure. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 217-546-3333 or info@smilespringfield.com