Why Does My Jaw Ache When I Wake Up?
Waking up with jaw pain signals that something isn’t right. Use this guide as a first step to figuring out what’s happening while you sleep to cause your pain — and find ways to alleviate it.
Dental care has come a long way through the decades. What used to require some discomfort now comes completely pain-free, thanks in large part to today’s anesthetics and sedatives available. Take intravenous (IV) sedation as an example.
With this highly effective method, Eric R. Koch, DDS, can keep you completely comfortable for a wide range of dental care, from wisdom tooth removal to dental implant placements. Plus, since Dr. Koch is an IV sedation specialist, you can rest easy knowing you’re in good hands when you visit us at Advanced Dental Care of East Texas in Jasper, Texas.
You can explore several types of sedation dentistry, all designed to keep you relaxed and pain-free while you’re in the dentist’s chair. That ranges from a mild sedative you take orally to general anesthesia, which renders you completely unconscious.
IV sedation falls somewhere in the middle. As a moderate sedative, it allows Dr. Koch to keep you comfortable without having to put you fully under. You’ll feel very relaxed and likely won’t remember much from the treatment. Many people sleep through their appointment.
Plus, because this sedation method gets administered via your vein, it works quickly. There’s no risk that it won’t kick in in time or will wear off too soon. In fact, Dr. Koch can adjust the level of sedative as needed throughout your treatment or procedure.
While dental professionals widely use IV sedation because it’s a safe and effective way to keep patients comfortable, it’s not right for everyone. Some medications or health conditions could interfere or interact with the sedation.
To ensure he can safely use IV sedation for you, Dr. Koch talks with you beforehand. Share any health conditions you have with him, as well as any prescription medications or nutritional supplements you regularly take.
Assuming you are a candidate for IV sedation, one of the most significant risks comes as the sedative wears off. You’ll be groggy for a few hours, so it’s not safe to operate a vehicle. Instead, plan to have someone drive you home.
Directly after sedation, our team monitors you in our recovery room. That way, we can check that your heart and respiratory rate stabilize as the sedative wears off.
Once your friend or family member drives you home, plan to relax for the rest of the day. You should wake up feeling normal the next day. Unless the procedure or treatment Dr. Koch performed comes with downtime, you should be able to get back to your usual activities right away.
If you want to have a comfortable and relaxing experience during your next dental treatment, ask about IV sedation. To start that conversation, call our office or book your visit online today.
