Maintaining good oral health requires regular dental exams, cleanings, and thorough home care. It may sound simple enough, but doesn’t always happen for one reason or another. Especially if you suffer from dental anxiety, a phobia, take certain medication, or have special needs.
So, if the sound of the dental drill makes you shiver, that unmistakable smell, or the instruments in your mouth, creates a sense of anxiety or fear, then IV sedation can help.
What is IV sedation?
Intravenous (IV) sedation has become a game changer for many adults and children. Fostering a deep state of relaxation.
Medications, specifically tailored for each patient, is administered directly into a vein in the arm or hand. The medication takes effect within seconds, allowing the patient to enter a deep state of comfort and relaxation.
The difference between IV sedation and general anesthesia?
General anesthesia puts the patient in an unconscious state. While IV sedation does not put the patient fully asleep. The amnesiac nature of IV sedation means the patient won’t remember much, if any, of the appointment.
Both types of sedation require a trained personnel to monitor the level of sedation as well as all the patient’s vital signs throughout the procedure. Because it takes a few hours for the sedation to wear off, the patient will need someone to drive them home.
What are the benefits of IV sedation?
The advantages of IV sedation are numerous. It allows a number of procedures completed during one appointment, you won’t have to worry about traumatizing a child or loved one, sitting still for an extended period of time, any anxiety or fear, the patient won’t remember the sights, sounds, or smell of the appointment, but will be able to answer any questions the dentist asks.
Who can benefit from sedation dentistry?
Those with disabilities or special needs
Adults who have had bad experiences at the dentist
Phobia or general anxiety disorder
Unable so sit for long periods of time
Very sensitive oral nerves
Before you struggle with having a dental treatment or put your child through a traumatizing procedure, consult with a Registered Certified Nurse Anesthetist. IV sedation has helped patients of all ages easily get all types of dental work, from complex treatments, to root canals and X-rays and dental cleanings.
