It’s normal to feel some anxiety when going to the dentist, but if you have been putting off going to the dentist or missing appointments, maybe it’s time to look into IV sedation.
“Dental anxiety and phobia are extremely common. It has been estimated that 9% to 15% of Americans avoid seeing the dentist because of anxiety and fear. That’s about 30 million to 40 million people. To avoid it, they’ll put up with gum infections (periodontal disease), pain, or even broken and unsightly teeth,” according to Colgate.
Unfortunately, dental anxiety and fear are very common. IV sedation dentistry helps adults and children get the oral health care they need, comfortably, without any added anxiety or fear that is associated with going to the dentist.
What is the difference between oral sedation and IV sedation?
IV sedation is more reliably effective and can be tailored to your individual needs, while oral sedation can be unreliable.
Where will you put the IV and will it hurt?
The IV is placed in either arm if you are an adult patient, but as a pediatric patient there is a possibility that the IV will be place in your foot. Before the IV is placed we will place a small amount of lidocaine to decrease the discomfort of the IV placement.
What are the possible complications if any?
As with anything we do in life there are risks, but anesthesia is extremely safe. You are more likely to get into a motor vehicle crash while driving then having a complication with the sedation. Before your sedation you will read and sign an anesthesia consent that reviews any possible complications, remote as they are, they are still possible.
How and when will the nurse anesthesiologist contact me?
The nurse anesthesiologist from Blue Sky Anesthesia Associates will contact you about 2 weeks before your dental procedure that you have scheduled with your dental office. We will go over all the details and answer any question you may have. Phone calls to our patients are made between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm typically.
