Posted by writeradmin
I will be graduating college this spring and will finally have the time to get my wisdom teeth out. The one thing I am worried about is I am a Type-2 Diabetic. I do have to eat or things go wacky for me. I planned on having dental sedation for the procedure to make things as easy as possible for myself, but someone just told me that you cannot eat when you have dental sedation. Is that true? If so, are there options?
Elisabeth
Dear Elisabeth,
I am glad you wrote. As long as your diabetes is well controlled, there is no reason why you cannot have your wisdom teeth removed with dental sedation. It is great that you are planning ahead. Some patients have a glucose meter that keeps their numbers steady. I don’t know if you have one of those or not, but it sounds like you are someone who stays on top of things even if you do not.
Unlike with general anesthesia, there is no reason why you cannot eat before your procedure. What will be important is that you have a driver to take you to and from your dental appointment as well as stay with you for a few hours afterward until you are completely lucid and can take care of yourself well. You’ll want someone who is familiar with your diabetic treatment and knows what to do if your blood sugar rises or drops. It will be good to have a set of written instructions for them in case they get nervous during an “event.”
At the appointment, we’ll take your vitals, but we’ll also need to know your HbA1c levels. This will be important.
Other than that, just make sure you follow all post-op instructions. As you know diabetics have a harder time healing. Again, you seem very responsible. I’m saying this for the benefit of other readers who may have the same question but do not plan ahead as well as you do.
I’m glad you are finally able to get your wisdom teeth removed and a HUGE congratulations on your upcoming college graduation.
This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. John Theriot.