If you regularly use marijuana - whether it be recreationally or medicinally - you may be wondering if it is safe for you to smoke before oral sedation or IV sedation. Continue reading to learn more.
The combined effects of marijuana and general anesthesia often lead to low blood pressure and poor heart function.
It has also been examined that patients who used marijuana prior to their oral surgery required more anesthetic than other people who did not. The exact reason for this is not yet known, but it is speculated that marijuana could potentially be responsible for desensitizing the body’s receptors that are responsible for processing the effects of anesthesia.
In a study published by The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, it was found that people who used marijuana daily or weekly needed 14% more fentanyl, 19.6% more midazolam, and 220.5% more propofol during their procedures than people who did not use marijuana on a daily basis. While more research is needed on this subject, it can be assumed that there is a correlation between marijuana use and the amount of anesthesia that is needed during oral surgery.
This has the potential to be dangerous, as anesthesia lowers the body’s heart rate and blood pressure. Anesthesia may also make it difficult for the patient to breathe regularly on their own. The use and application of too much anesthesia could potentially be very dangerous for the individual; this is why it is important to postpone your marijuana use until after your oral surgery.
If you regularly use marijuana and will soon be undergoing oral surgery, it is best to inform your dentist. He or she will discuss your options at length with you. In fact, it is best to inform your dentist of any and all substances or medications that you regularly use; this will help them develop the best treatment plan for you and will help them avoid medical complications.
Most people use marijuana prior to their surgery as they feel it will calm them down and help them relax during the procedure. While this may be true, it is not worth the health complications that it may cause. If you are concerned with high amounts of anxiety, be sure to inform your dentist. He or she will work with you to find a solution to ensure that you are comfortable and confident on the day of your surgery.
Here at Willow Glen Dental Specialists, we are proud to offer oral sedation and other comprehensive oral surgery services in San Jose, California.
To learn more about marijuana’s effects on oral sedation or to get scheduled for a consultation in our San Jose dental office, give us a call anytime at 408-478-9081.
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