What Should I Eat or Drink Before Sedation Dentistry Treatment?

Sedation dentistry is important during dental procedures as it ensures the patient’s experience is painless and comfortable. In addition, many people suffer from dental fear and anxiety, and dental sedation also helps them feel relaxed during the treatment. Since sedation is also a type of medication, patients often wonder if there are any diet restrictions, they should be aware of. Depending on the form of sedation you have been recommended, the dentist near you will tell you if there are any diet restrictions you should be aware of.

What to Eat Before Dental Sedation

More potent forms of dental sedation may cause nausea. To avoid this after the procedure, we typically advise on what to do and not to do before the process. For example, before your sedation treatment in Manalapan, NJ, here is what to drink or eat.

Oral Sedation

If your dentist recommends oral sedation, you must take a sedative pill before your appointment. The effects of the sedative usually kick in after you have arrived at the dentist’s office. Diet instructions regarding oral sedation may vary from one patient to another.

Your dentist may advise avoiding eating for at least six hours before the procedure. You may take clear liquids during this time. And because there are different types of oral sedatives, talk to your dentist about your preferences and follow the instructions given. In addition, our dentists will inform you of any side effects and ensure you will not experience any contradictions with the sedative or any other medications you may be on.

IV sedation

This type of sedation is usually used when undergoing extremely invasive dental procedures at the dentist office near you. IV sedation is directly administered into the bloodstream through an IV line. Our team of dentists at Union Hill Dental will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels. IV sedation renders patients in the most profound form of unconsciousness. You will fall asleep and have little memory of the procedure when you wake up.

Dietary restrictions of IV sedation are similar to those of oral sedation. Generally, the dentist may instruct you not to eat after midnight or not less than six hours before the procedure. Avoid solid, semi-solid dairy foods and beverages. You can take clear liquids up to two hours before the procedure. Your stomach should be empty when you are undergoing IV sedation. Additionally, keep off alcohol 24 hours before the process.

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is standard in many dental procedures. For example, it can be used during tooth extraction, deep cleaning, or other dental work. Avoid heavy meals before dental procedures and opt for a light meal with local anesthesia.

Nitrous Oxide

Also known as the laughing gas, nitrous oxide is one of the most common forms of dental sedation. The least invasive and mildest dental sedation will relax you while keeping you aware of your surroundings. It is administered through a mask or a nosepiece. The sedation is controlled and adjusted throughout the procedure by the dentist.

Once the treatment is over, it is flushed out of your system using pure oxygen. But how does diet affect nitrous oxide sedation? For most people, it’s okay to eat before undergoing the sedation. However, some may experience nausea. So avoid taking too much food, and if you have to eat a light meal a few hours before the procedure.

After Sedation Dentistry

After your sedation treatment in Manalapan, NJ, you may come off experiencing confusion, nausea and disorientation. Here is how to fight off the effects.

• While experiencing disorientation and confusion, you will want someone you trust to take home after the appointment.
• Take much water to hydrate and jump-start your body after a long day of sedation. Water also helps with clearing your head after you are partially unconscious.
• Having an upset stomach is a common symptom after sedation dentistry. While this occurs briefly, you can avoid it by avoiding spicy foods, sweets and anything that may cause your digestive issues. Instead, take stomach-friendly meals until you start feeling normal again.
• Light dental sedations usually aren’t associated with medications. However, you will likely be prescribed some medicines after a heavily sedated procedure. Be sure to take them as instructed.