I take more medicine than an 80-year-old, including for anxiety and depression. I also take some narcotics for pain. I’m in a lot of pain and likely need a procedure I don’t want to do without sedation. I’m afraid if I tell the dentist all the medicines I’m on he won’t want to give me the sedation. Can I just check them against a list and get the sedation without telling him about the medicines?
Josephine S. – Bigelow, AR
Josephine,
It’s never a good idea to hide what medications you’re on. There are contraindications that can have serious consequences, including death. It’s extremely important your dentist gets a list of all your medications, even over the counter. Make sure to include the dosages you take as well.
It’s unlikely you can know ahead of time which sedation medications your dentist will use. Each dentist has different preferences. The only way to know ahead of time would be to speak directly to the dentist.
Your best bet is to call the office ahead of time and let them know exactly what medications you’re taking. This way the dentist can prepare for your needs.
You’ll likely find the sedation takes care of your anxiety on its own. If you’re in pain, it generally indicates there’s an infection somewhere. The sooner you get this treated, the better.
What could be dealt with by a simple filling, could blow up into needing a dental crown, or worse, an extraction.
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