If you’re scheduled for dental sedation, you may be wondering if you can eat before your appointment. The answer is…it depends! In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different types of dental sedation and whether or not you should eat before your appointment. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prepare for your appointment if you’re having dental sedation done.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide sedation, or laughing gas, is a mild form of dental sedation. It involves inhaling a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide through a mask. This type of sedation is usually used for shorter procedures, such as filling cavities, and it takes effect within minutes.
If you’re scheduled for nitrous oxide sedation, you should be fine to eat up to an hour or so before your appointment. Just make sure that you don’t eat anything too heavy or greasy, as this can make you feel nauseous during your procedure.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves taking a pill or liquid medication before your appointment in order to relax you during your procedure. It is usually used for longer procedures and can take up to an hour to take effect.
Those receiving oral sedation are often told not to eat anything for at least 6 hours before the appointment. This is because the medication can cause nausea or vomiting if taken on a full stomach.
IV Sedation
IV sedation, or intravenous conscious sedation, is a stronger form of sedation. It involves administering sedatives directly into the bloodstream through an IV, which allows for more precise control of the dosage. You may receive IV sedation for more involved procedures, such as wisdom tooth extractions.
For IV sedation, it’s typically recommended to not eat or drink around 8 hours prior to your appointment. However, some dentists may even ask you to avoid food after midnight the day of your procedure. This will help avoid complications from the medication, such as nausea or vomiting.
Tips for Preparing for Dental Sedation
No matter what type of sedation you’re receiving, there are a few things you can do to make sure your appointment goes smoothly:
- Drink plenty of water the day before and morning of your procedure to stay hydrated.
- Make sure to get a full night’s rest the night before.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your appointment.
- Have someone drive you to and from the appointment, as sedation can cause drowsiness after the procedure.
- Avoid any strenuous activities after your appointment, such as exercise or driving.
- And perhaps most importantly, listen to your dentist. They will be able to provide the best advice on what is best for your individual needs.
The Bottom Line
Whether or not you can eat before dental sedation depends on the type of sedation you’re receiving. The best thing you can do is talk to your dentist beforehand to get personalized advice on how to prepare for your appointment. Following these tips and listening to your dentist’s instructions can help ensure a successful procedure. Good luck!
Still need to book a dental sedation appointment? We’d be happy to help! Click here to get in touch with Shelburne Village Dental today.
