Does just the thought of going to the dentist make you feel uneasy? You’re definitely not alone, there are many adults and children (over 40 million) who dread going to the dentist.
IV sedation has helped of these people get the oral health care they need without the fear and anxiety.
Understanding how IV sedation works at the dentist office can help easy those uneasy feelings and get the procedures you need for healthy teeth and gums.
IV sedation or intravenous sedation, has been proven to be a safe and effective for dental work. It is important to have a third party anesthesiologist to administer the medication and monitor all you vital signs. This will allow the dentist to perform the procedure and not have to monitor the sedation medication
Before your dental appointment, the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), will thoroughly examine your medical history. This will ensure this type of sedation is right for you.
The CRNA will go over the pre-sedation guidelines before the appointment. It is crucial to follow them.
When you come in for your dental appointment, the CRNA will insert a very small needle into your vein. This will place you in a restful dream-like state of sleep. During your procedure we give you medication through the IV to help decrease pain, inflammation, and nausea for approximately four or more hours after you leave the office. Upon waking from your relaxed dream-like state you will have no recollection of your dental procedure and minimal to no discomfort.
The CRNA will closely monitor all your vital signs and adjust the medication if needed.
When the procedure is complete, the IV sedation will wear off gradually. You may still feel a little dazed or groggy, so you will need to have someone driver you home.
You can expect a follow-up phone call later that day from the nurse anesthesiologist that provided your sedation to answer any questions, make sure the sedation was to your satisfaction, and that you are recovering well
“IV sedation, also known as conscious sedation, is a sort of middle ground and it doesn’t fully put you to sleep. It does make you less aware of what is going on around you during your procedure or treatment,” Colgate.
At Blue Sky Anesthesia Associates, we do everything to make your visit to the dentist a positive experience. Our experience is geared toward the unique emotional and physical needs of the patient.
