Do you shy away from going to the dentist? Do you avoid dental care due to intense anxiety? Dental anxiety is one of the more common phobias, and delaying or avoiding oral healthcare may lead to bigger problems. Sedation or anesthesia can help you calm stress.
If you’re living with dental issues or missing out on routine dental care due to anxiety or fear, IV sedation dentistry may be a suitable option for you. It helps you keep up with your dental health despite your fear. Sedation can be used for everything from complex procedures to simple teeth cleaning. Read on to learn how it can help.
What Is IV Sedation Dentistry?
IV stands for intravenous sedation, also known as MAC (Monitored Anesthesia Care). With IV sedation, your dentist or oral surgeon delivers a sedative drug into your veins. It helps patients relax and feel settled during treatment.
This type of sedation can be especially useful when a patient needs a few procedures in one visit or a single procedure that will take a long time.
From the beginning of IV sedation treatment, your dentist will talk with you and help you decide if IV sedation is right for your case. There are two kinds of IV or intravenous sedation used in dentistry. In some cases, people refer to it as “sleep dentistry”.
You stay conscious the whole time and can respond to your dentist’s questions. The dental team will also carefully observe you during those hours and stay with you until the sedation wears off. While IV sedation is effective, it needs to be taken seriously.
Benefits of IV Sedation for Fearful Patients
- It begins working rapidly, and many patients feel little discomfort during the procedure.
- The sedation dentist will monitor your vitals and adjust the dose.
- Many patients recover quickly and can return to their daily schedule.
- It can create a long period of amnesia, so you may not remember your treatment afterward.
- It allows you to take part for a longer time, so your dentist can perform different procedures in one dental appointment.
- IV sedation is considered safe for many patients when it is given by a trained provider.
Individual results vary.
Who Needs IV Sedation Dentistry?
Patients consider IV sedation for dental procedures for many reasons. It can be a particularly useful option for patients who experience the following:
- Phobia of dental treatments
- Trouble getting numb
- Delicate teeth or oral nerves
- Complex dental problems
- Resistance to local anesthetics
- A small mouth that hurts during dental work
- General anxiety disorder
- Gag reflex
- Bad past dental experience
Patients with any of the above may be good candidates for IV sedation dentistry. If you recognize yourself in this list, talk with your dentist about whether IV sedation is right for you.
What Is IV Sedation Used For?
For patients who are very afraid of injections, going to the dentist or getting a wisdom tooth pulled or a root canal can be distressing. IV sedation is an option that can help you move past fear and get the care you need.
When you neglect dental emergencies, loose or broken teeth and other issues arise. This puts your oral health at risk. The problems may also become more complicated over time, which could mean you will need more extensive dental work later on.
Contact Us for Sedation Information
Dental fear and anxiety are major reasons people avoid dental care. Sedation techniques can help patients feel relaxed during their appointment. Dental sedation also allows several types of dental work to be completed in one visit, for example, tooth extractions, root canal treatment, dental implantation, and more.
Do you have questions about IV sedation? Dr. Kerri Hill at The Art of Dental Wellness can talk through your options. You can schedule your sedation appointment online.
The questions patients ask us first
What is IV sedation dentistry?
IV stands for intravenous sedation, also known as MAC (Monitored Anesthesia Care). A sedative drug is delivered into the veins to help you relax and feel settled during treatment.
Who may benefit from IV sedation?
It may suit patients with a phobia of dental treatment, trouble getting numb, a gag reflex, a small mouth that hurts during dental work, general anxiety disorder, complex dental problems, or a bad past dental experience.
Will I remember my treatment?
IV sedation can create a long period of amnesia, so you may not remember your treatment afterward. During treatment your vitals are monitored and the dose can be adjusted.
Can several procedures be done in one visit?
Yes. Because it lets you take part in care for a longer time, your dentist can perform different procedures, such as extractions or root canal treatment, in one appointment.
This article is general information, not personal medical advice. Every smile and treatment plan is different, so Dr. Hill reviews your options with you at your consultation.
