From the Guidelines
You should not hold liquid in your mouth during a dental procedure, but you can drink clear fluids until 2 hours before the procedure, as recommended by the most recent guidelines. Before a dental procedure, you should follow your dentist's specific instructions, which typically include not eating or drinking for a certain period before the appointment if sedation will be used. Holding liquid in your mouth during a procedure could interfere with the dentist's work, increase the risk of aspiration (accidentally breathing in liquid), and compromise the effectiveness of dental materials that require a dry environment to properly bond or set. Additionally, many dental procedures require a dry field to ensure visibility and proper treatment. Your dentist will provide suction tools to remove saliva and water during the procedure, and will give you opportunities to rinse your mouth when appropriate. If you're concerned about dry mouth during treatment, discuss this with your dental provider beforehand, as they can provide periodic rinses or other comfort measures. According to the most recent guidelines, patients can drink clear fluids up to 2 hours before induction of anesthesia without increasing the risk of aspiration 1.
Some key points to consider:
- Preoperative fasting from midnight is unnecessary in most patients, and patients can drink clear fluids until 2 hours before anesthesia 1.
- Solids can be allowed until 6 hours before anesthesia 1.
- The risk of aspiration is not increased by drinking clear fluids up to 2 hours before induction of anesthesia 1.
- It's essential to follow the dentist's specific instructions regarding preoperative fasting and fluid intake.
In terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, the most important consideration is to minimize the risk of aspiration and ensure the effectiveness of dental materials, while also providing patient comfort and safety. The guidelines recommend drinking clear fluids up to 2 hours before the procedure, which can help prevent dehydration and maintain patient comfort 1.
From the Research
Dental Procedure Sedation
- The provided studies do not directly address the question of holding liquid for a dental procedure 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies discuss various aspects of procedural sedation, including indications, contraindications, and safety aspects 2, drug selection for ambulatory procedural sedation 3, and pharmacological agents for procedural sedation and analgesia in the emergency department and intensive care unit 5.
- None of the studies specifically mention dental procedures or the requirement to hold liquid during sedation.
- It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional or a dentist to determine the specific requirements for a dental procedure, including any necessary preparations or precautions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Procedural Sedation
- Procedural sedation is used to relieve anxiety, pain, and discomfort during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures 3.
- The selection of drugs used for ambulatory sedation depends on many factors, such as procedure type, patient characteristics, and the expectations of patients and healthcare providers 3.
- Studies have compared the effectiveness and safety of various pharmacologic agents used for procedural sedation and analgesia in the emergency department and intensive care unit 5.
- The choice of sedation and analgesia should be tailored to the individual patient and procedure, taking into account the potential benefits and risks 2, 3, 5, 6.