5 Tips for Caring for Seniors after Dental Sedation

Are you responsible for caring for a senior? Whether it is a grandparent, parent, or someone else, there may come a time when they require a dental procedure that involves the use of sedation. After they come home, you may need to take extra steps to minimize the risk of complications as they recover from sedation medications. What exactly might you have to do? This blog post offers helpful guidance.

Minimize Accident Risk

Some forms of dental sedation can have effects that linger for several hours — perhaps up to a full day or longer. During this period, you should not leave your loved one unattended. They might be a bit confused, so you should be there to remind them that they should not drive, handle dangerous objects, or do anything else with a high accident risk. If they are unsteady on their feet, you may need to assist them as they walk around the house.

Provide Reminders for Medications

After their procedure, your senior loved one might be directed to take prescription or over-the-counter medication for pain relief or infection prevention. Set up a schedule to make sure they comply with such instructions so their recovery can get off to a good start.

Do Not Provide Caffeine, Nicotine, or Alcohol

Caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol may interact with sedation medications in dangerous ways. Even after the sedation wears off, these substances may slow down healing at oral surgery sites. Generally, these should be avoided for at least a few days or until the patient is no longer taking any powerful pain medication.

Assist with Oral Hygiene

Keeping the site of a dental procedure clean is important, but it may involve different techniques than what your senior loved one is used to. For example, they might be directed to avoid brushing the area for 24 hours. They should also avoid vigorous rinsing and spitting. Gentleness is the key here. Depending on the patient’s ability and level of understanding, you might have to help them maintain a clean mouth without increasing the risk of complications.

Keep an Eye Out for Side Effects & Know When to Ask Questions

Dental sedation is generally very safe, and the patients care team will monitor them closely during their procedure. Once you get them home, though, it will be up to you to look for any signs of an adverse reaction to sedation, such as breathing issues, severe swelling, or an inability to wake up. If you notice anything that concerns you, do not hesitate to call their dental team (or emergency services if the situation is particularly urgent).

Dental sedation can make oral procedures easier for individuals of all ages, including those that are up in years! If you have a senior in your care, ask their dental team for detailed instructions to help them through their post-op period.

Meet the Practice

Dr. Franco Cordini is a highly skilled periodontist who offers a range of advanced treatments, including gum disease therapy, tooth extractions, dental implants, and more. Multiple types of sedation are available to make the treatment experience as easy and efficient as possible. To learn more about our practice or to set up an appointment for yourself or a loved one, contact our office in Louisville at 502-425-5010.