I’m a little uncomfortable going to the dentist. Wine relaxes me. I was hoping you would tell me if it OK to go to the dentist after drinking a little wine.
Christie M. – Oklahoma
Christie,
You’re not alone in your discomfort with a dentist. Many people have either had a traumatic experience with a dentist, usually as a child, or a rough dentist at some point in their life.
Of course, you could drink wine before going to the dentist, but it will affect the way he or she can do his treatment. There will be some counter-indications between the wine and some dental medication. You might consider doing some form of sedation dentistry instead. That won’t keep you from any form of treatment, but wil give you the same relaxed feeling you can get from wine.
The one most similar to wine is nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. If you want something stronger, you could consider oral conscious sedation or IV sedation. Those are stronger. You’ll need a ride to and from your appointment and you’re likely not to remember your appointment.
If you do drink wine, you’ll want a ride for your appointment as well. You don’t want to drive under the influence of any form of alcohol.
This blog is brought to you by Libertyville, IL Dentist Dr. David Potts.