There is a lot of buzz going around about IV sedation in dentistry situations. Understanding the facts about receiving sedation for you or a loved one will help ensure quality and safe oral health care.
IV sedation dentistry allows patients with anxieties, disabilities and special needs such as, Alzheimer’s, downs syndrome, or those who have trouble sitting through a routine dental appointment, to catch up on all dental treatments in just one appointment.
The National Library of Medicine explains the benefits of current trends in intravenous sedative drugs for dental procedures
Anxiety and phobia in dental procedures are common deterrents for patients visiting the dental care unit. For these individuals, procedural sedation may aid in completion of dental treatments. In most cases, the patients are conscious during sedation, thereby allowing spontaneous ventilation. Intravenous sedation (IVS) is widely used during dental treatment to relieve patient anxiety.
IVS is the most effective route of administration to achieve this goal, but it requires advanced training, more than that provided during undergraduate education. During IVS, rapid onset, repetitive drug administration, easy titration, and rapid recovery from sedation can be achieved.
During IVS, the general goal of sedation is conscious sedation, which is a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients respond purposefully to verbal commands, either alone or accompanied by light tactile stimulation. In addition, interventions are required to maintain a patent airway, and spontaneous ventilation is adequate. All providers of conscious sedation services are responsible for ensuring that the environment in which care is delivered is appropriate for the needs and safety of patients
An important fact to understand is while during the procedure. The patient will still be conscious and responsive, but you will not remember much, if any, of the treatment, they will be in a deep state of relaxation.
There are several things you should know before receiving IV sedation. We encourage you to contact Blue Sky Anesthesia Associates with any questions you may have.
