Many of us fall into this “cycle of avoidance” when it comes to going to the dentist. We keep putting it off and putting it off until we are in severe pain. By this time an invasive treatment is usually required, which just reinforces their existing anxiety.
A recent study shows 72.6 percent of the population have some fear of the dentist. With 45.8 percent have moderate fear and 26.8 percent have severe fear.
“Dental fear is so common that it is invisible to both dentists and patients,” said Richard Heyman, a professor in the NYU Dentistry Center for Oral Health Policy and Management and co-director of the NYU Dentistry Family Translational Research Group
“It’s ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’—dentists don’t ask, and fearful patients convince themselves it’s pointless to tell. Dozens of studies have shown that dental fear is highly treatable.
The fact is, dental fear is highly treatable, but most dentists haven’t received the training they need to offer save IV sedation treatment.
In last week’s blog we went over some risks involved with IV dental sedation. Today we are discussing precautions to minimize risks.
Assessment Before The Procedure
A CRNA will evaluate your medical history and current medication to determine if IV sedation is right for you. Your medical history provides valuable insight into your general health. Certain medications or medical conditions, or even allergies can have an influence on how your body reacts to the anesthesia and dental procedure.
A Qualified Practitioner
When it comes to IV Sedation, you want to take all the necessary safety precautions. Which is why it is important to have a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist present, to monitor the patients vitals and administer the sedation. This way the dentist is able to concentrate fully on the treatment, while the CRNA is focusing only on the patient safety, vigilance, and monitoring.
“CRNAs possess the education, training, and skills to provide safe, high-quality, and cost- effective care as members of the multidisciplinary patient-centered dental care team in all settings, including dental offices. CRNAs practice in accordance with their professional scope and standards of practice, federal, state, and local law, and facility policy to provide dental sedation and anesthesia services,” according to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetist.
