I have pretty severe osteoporosis. It’s made dental care extraordinarily painful. I’ve been avoiding the dentist ever since it started getting painful. As you can imagine, this has caused me some additional problems. I’ve recently heard about sedation dental care. However, I’m worried having osteoporosis knocks me out of contention. How would that work for someone in my condition?

Lindsey

Dear Lindsey,

Dental sedation will be a fantastic solution for you. You will likely sleep through the appointment, which makes it pain-free. In addition, your dentist is often able to get significantly more work done during each appointment. This helps you get your oral health care back in shape in less time than would normally be possible.

Precautions You’ll Need with Sedation Dentistry

Because of your osteoporosis, you’ll need to take some additional precautions. A dentist should always have a consultation appointment before administering sedation. It’s especially important for you. Bring all your medications to your consultation, even your over-the-counter meds.

This helps the dentist to know everything you’re on so he can be certain not to give you anything which interferes or has an adverse reaction with your meds. He’ll likely want to talk to your doctors as well, so make sure you bring their contact information.

The dentist will need to make sure he’s attentive to how hard he grasps your jaw. You’re much more prone to fractures and breaks than other patients.

Every patient has to have someone drive them to and from their appointment as well as stay with them until they’re lucid again (usually the rest of the day). This will be especially important for you. You will not be steady on your feet.

Have someone you trust that can get you to a safe, comfy part of your home. It might be great to set up a little nest on the couch or if you have a television in your bedroom to camp out there. After you wake up, plan on having a Netflix binge or some books to read.

Don’t put this off. Being proactive when you know you have problems, can keep you from a dental emergency. This can save you from unnecessary pain, as well as possibly saving a tooth.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.