While IV sedation is commonly used for many procures, for surgery, dermatology and imaging. The numerous benefits have recently made it popular for dental treatments.
Dental Economics explains why IV sedation was not commonly used in dentistry. “The simple answer is that medical schools teach the use of oral and parenteral sedation, whereas dental schools teach the use of nitrous oxide. Unless a dental student continues with postdoctoral education in an advanced general dentistry program or a specialty program that teaches sedation, he or she learns only about nitrous oxide. Organized dental societies and private educational firms offer courses in sedation dentistry, but dentists typically begin their careers in practices where only nitrous oxide is used.”
If you are considering IV sedation for a dental procedure for yourself or loved one, make sure all the necessary safety precautions are in place.
Is a Nurse Anesthetist Really Necessary for Dental Procedures?
“Like nitrous oxide, there are guidelines and regulations for the use of pediatric sedation. Guidelines are provided by organized dental societies, including the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. State dental boards also issue requirements. Because oral sedation affects the central nervous system (and therefore consciousness), monitoring vital signs using instruments and trained personnel is required. The criteria for case selection are more restrictive than for nitrous oxide use. A thorough preoperative evaluation of airway competency and respiratory function is mandatory.”
To ensure safety, a nurse anesthetist is the best way to go. They are specifically trained in IV sedation. Allowing the dentist to concentrate on the dental procedures, while the nurse anesthetist constantly monitors the vitals, breathing heart rate. IV sedation for dental work has been proven beneficial for those who need several procedures, the elderly, children, those with disabilities, and those who would forgo treatment due to fear.
IV sedation has become a game changer for many children and adults who would have not received the dental care they needed. Just imagine getting all the dental work in just one visit, then leaving the office with little to no memory of the procedure!
Contact Blue Sky Solutions for more information about IV sedation for your next trip to the dentist.
