Buzz
Imagine if there were something you could take before your dental visit to help you stay calm and perhaps reduce some discomfort? If cannabis seems like the right choice, you're not alone. A recent survey by the American Dental Association revealed that more than half of dentists have had at least one patient show up to an appointment under the influence.
But is it a wise decision? Here's where it becomes complicated. In short, some dentists might be okay with it in certain cases, as long as you discuss it with them first. However, there are plenty of reasons why you might want to think twice. Let's explore.
They will definitely be able to tell.
Your initial thought might be: can they tell if you're high? The answer is probably yes. Keep in mind that dentists aren't simply tooth mechanics—they are healthcare professionals who are well aware of what constitutes a typical heart rate and the usual amount of saliva a person produces.
On marijuana-related subreddits like r/trees, it's not unusual to come across tales of dental hygienists realizing that someone is high, often because their mouth is dry, and their saliva is unusually thick and sticky. Even if they don't immediately suspect cannabis use, something will seem off. As one Reddit user shared, 'They were really concerned about my saliva,' and of course, 'I couldn’t just tell them I was stoned and not to worry haha.'
By the way, the ADA report I mentioned? It's not just that half of dentists noticed a patient was high. The key finding was that 56% of dentists had to adjust their treatment plans—either by turning someone away or offering alternative care—because they realized the person was high.
Cannabis can alter how anesthesia and other treatments work, making it a factor to consider when receiving dental care.
The American Dental Association recommends that patients avoid using marijuana prior to dental visits, as stated in their report. This advice isn’t just about being overly cautious; there are multiple ways that cannabis can interfere with dental treatment.
Anesthesia is something to consider. You should always inform your anesthesiologist about any recreational drugs you might use, even if you're not under the influence at the time. This isn't about getting you into trouble but about ensuring your history with drugs doesn't interfere with how your body reacts to the anesthetics. For instance, cannabis users may require higher doses of anesthesia.
Even though dental visits may seem less critical than major surgeries, the same principle applies. Dentists may use local anesthetics or sedatives like nitrous oxide. According to a survey by the ADA, 46% of dentists have had to adjust anesthesia doses for patients who use cannabis.
Cannabis can influence various bodily functions. In addition to causing dry mouth, it can increase your heart rate, making it more risky for dentists to use treatments involving epinephrine or alcohol.
There's also the legal and ethical concern if you arrive at a medical procedure unable to make sound decisions. The ADA highlights that if you're under the influence of mind-altering substances, you can’t give true ‘informed consent’ for irreversible procedures like tooth extractions.
Cannabis may not even deliver the effect you expect.
You might have considered all the factors, and maybe even gotten the green light from your dentist to show up high (especially if they're one of the more chill dentists). But will the experience live up to your expectations? Probably not. According to the ADA, marijuana can cause heightened anxiety, paranoia, and hyperactivity, all of which might make the visit more uncomfortable than you'd hope.
Some people on reddit have shared their positive experiences. One person mentioned that the flossing and the water used for rinsing felt unexpectedly good. It's not the typical feedback you'd expect, but some folks find it surprisingly relaxing.
However, there are also plenty of contrary experiences. One reddit user shared, “I used to go to the dentist while high all the time. But I ran into two major problems: novocaine or whatever they used didn't work as well, and my teeth hurt much more if they were doing anything more than a cleaning. The needle in my gums also stung more.”
“Don’t go to the dentist high,” warns another post. “It was even more painful, and I felt like I was aboard a UFO. It was as if aliens were performing experiments in my mouth.”
