Before you go to your dentist’s appointment, you need to assess yourself first whether or not you are fit to go through dental treatments. With the risks involved in getting dental treatments, this is why you must disclose every health concern you have to your dentist. The dentist will then determine if you are fit to undergo treatment, or inform you of the time it will take before you can undergo one. Not only that, but the dentist may also prescribe you medications that will prepare you for a procedure.
With the risks involved when visiting your dentist, the following are three of the most crucial information you need to inform them about before undergoing a procedure:
1. If you are pregnant
Take note that you can still have a dentist appointment to undergo procedures even if you’re pregnant. However, there will be phases in your pregnancy when your dentist would advise you otherwise. If you think you might be pregnant, it’s important to tell your dentist right away because it will affect the procedure due to the changes in hormonal activity. When you are pregnant, the risk of excessive bleeding in your gum increases.
The best time to go to the dentist while pregnant is during the second trimester when between your 14th to 20th week. It is the time where the fetal organs have fully developed, therefore reducing the risk of any side effects. Depending on what stage you are in your pregnancy, your dentist can adjust the level of anesthetic you receive because heavy anesthesia can have severe effects on the development of your baby. Your dentist may also assist you by letting you wear a lead apron and thyroid guard. These are useful tools to safeguard your baby from harmful x-rays and scans during the dental procedures.
2. If you have issues with blood clotting
Inform your dentist right away if you have problems with blood clotting since dental treatments involve procedures that might cause bleeding. To prevent issues with blood clotting, your dentist will prescribe you blood thinners to effectively stop excessive bleeding, which might result in abnormal blood loss. It’s also crucial to disclose all the medications you take since they may affect the way your wounds heal. Remember to keep an open line of communication with your dentist so that they will know the best remedy for your case.
3. If you have serious health issues
Every time you visit your dentist, make sure to update them about your medical history. Keep in mind that licensed dentists have taken an oath to keep all patients’ records confidential. Be as open to your dentist as possible to help with the process of deciding on the procedure and the level of anesthesia to give during those procedures. For example, if you have high blood pressure, your dentist will prescribe you with the right dosage of blood thinners. In cases of diabetes, your dentist will first consult with your specialist on whether or not you are able to undergo dental treatment since it has a high risk for gum disease.
Conclusion
Though dentists employ safety procedures during dental treatments, it still can consists of a degree of risk since the affected area sits near the brain. Since every part of the body affects other components, any risk involved in the mouth area can also infect the other parts. If you have any of the health issues mentioned above, make sure to have your dentist appointment at least once a year. This way, your dentist can monitor your dental problems and work on remedies ahead of time.
If you are looking for a dentist in Ann Arbor, get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.