What Not To Do After Dental Sedation?

If you're preparing for a dental procedure that requires sedation, you might be wondering, "What not to do after sedation?" It's important to take precautions to ensure a safe and smooth recovery. Sedation can leave lingering effects on your body and mind, which means that certain activities and behaviors should be avoided. 

In this blog, we'll review what you shouldn't do after dental sedation to ensure quick recovery and avoid complications.

Do Not Make Important Decisions

After dental sedation, it's essential to avoid making important decisions as it affects your decision-making abilities by impairing your judgment, memory, and overall mental clarity. You might feel groggy, disoriented, or confused, which can result in poor decision-making. This effect stays for several hours after the procedure.

It takes about 24 hours for your mental clarity to fully return after sedation. 

Don't Drink Alcohol

After dental sedation, you should avoid drinking alcohol. When alcohol interacts with sedation drugs in your system, it leads to increased dizziness, drowsiness, and even respiratory depression, making it unsafe for your health. It also delays recovery.

The potential health risks of drinking alcohol after sedation include impaired coordination, slowed breathing, and increased risk of accidents or falls. One must avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours after your procedure.

Avoid Physical Activities and Exercise

After dental sedation, it's important to avoid physical activities and exercise. Physical exertion can be dangerous during this time because sedation affects your coordination, balance, and reaction time.

It's recommended that you avoid any strenuous activities for at least 24 hours after your procedure, including heavy lifting, running, or any workout that elevates your heart rate significantly. 

Do Not Eat Hard or Chewy Foods

After dental sedation, avoiding eating hard or chewy foods is important. Sedation leaves your mouth numb and affects your ability to feel sensations in your tongue and cheeks. You may end up biting your tongue or cheek while chewing, leading to painful injuries or complications.

Following a soft diet for at least 24 hours after the procedure is best. Soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and smoothies are ideal choices that minimize the risk of injury while providing necessary nutrients. 

Avoid Smoking 

After dental sedation, it's crucial to avoid smoking. The chemicals present in tobacco can interfere with the healing process, leading to increased inflammation and a higher risk of complications such as infection. Smoking can also irritate your gums and the oral tissues, which may already be sensitive after dental work.  For optimal healing and to support your long-term dental health, it's best to avoid smoking for at least 24 hours after your procedure, if not longer.

Don't Skip Rest

After dental sedation, it's crucial to prioritize rest and avoid overstimulation. Sedation can leave you feeling drowsy and disoriented, making it essential for your body to recover from the effects of the sedative. Resting allows your mind and body to recover and ensure a smoother recovery process.

To manage rest effectively during the first 24 hours after your procedure, consider the following tips:

1. Create a Calm Environment: Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can relax without distractions.
2. Limit Screen Time: Avoid spending excessive time on screens, as this can overstimulate your mind.
3. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help flush out the sedative from your system.
4. Listen to Your Body: If you feel tired or groggy, take a nap or rest until you feel more alert.

Don't Ignore Unusual Symptoms

After dental sedation, you must be attentive to your body and not ignore any unusual symptoms. While some side effects, such as drowsiness, mild nausea, or a headache, can be common after sedation, certain symptoms should raise concern.

Common side effects typically include:

• Drowsiness or grogginess
• Mild dizziness
• Temporary confusion or memory issues

These are usually short-lived and should improve as the sedation wears off. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, it's crucial to take them seriously:

• Severe headache or persistent nausea
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Uncontrollable vomiting
• Significant swelling or pain in the treated area
• Unusual bleeding or discharge from the surgical site

Proper care must be taken after dental sedation to ensure a smooth and safe recovery. Avoid driving, making important decisions, consuming alcohol, engaging in physical activities, eating hard foods, and smoking to ensure quick recovery.

If you have a dental procedure coming up and want to ensure a safe and comfortable experience, request an appointment at Legacy Dental. Our team is dedicated to providing quality care tailored to your needs. New patients can call us at (801) 210-8086, while all other callers can reach us at (801) 278-4223.