What is IV sedation in the world of dentistry? If you do not sit on the dentist’s chair often, then this might be a new concept for you. People who suffer from dental anxiety are often given an IV (intravenous) sedation drip to put them to sleep.
Usually, dental IV sedation is set aside for patients that might need an extensively invasive oral surgery; this means that either the case is too complex or would require long hours. IV sedation feels like fresh, calm air that reduces anxiety.
How Does IV Sedation Dentistry Work?
IV is short for intravenous, meaning anything involving veins. IV sedation dentistry is basically administering an anti-anxiety drug through an IV drip before a procedure. This helps the patients to calm down and put them to sleep.
Steps Of Intravenous Sedation
- Your dentist will first prick your arm or hand and insert a thin needle into it.
- This needle is then connected to an IV tube which pushes the medicine in the bloodstream.
- If you have a needle phobia, ask the dentist to apply topical numbing cream.
Your dentist will constantly monitor your pulse and oxygen levels to ensure that you do not have any negative impact from the sedative.
Moreover, blood pressure is noted before and after the procedure. Sedation does not wear off immediately after the process is over; therefore, it is better to have a family member, caretaker, or friend with you to drive home safely.
Do You Qualify For IV Sedation?
People with no history of allergies from medication or individuals with good health are perfect for IV sedation dentistry. However, it is especially effective for those who experience the following issues:
- Fear of dental surgeries
- Issues with local numbing
- Sensitive teeth
- Complex dental troubles
- local anesthetic resistance
- Inadequate space in the oral cavity makes dental work difficult.
- General anxiety
- Over stimulating the gag reflex
Advantages Of Intravenous Sedation
Some pros of choosing IV sedation dentistry include:
- IV sedation has no effect on bodily function, it only gets rid of your ability to feel pain. Therefore, it does not hamper your breathing or even movement on your own, making it easy for the dentist to work on your mouth.
- Your dentist can take as long as they want and perform multiple procedures in one go. This significantly reduces the number of visits and also cuts down on dental care costs.
- The typical effect of IV sedation means that the patient will not feel what happens during the procedure. No smell, sound, or sight of the procedure.
Less discomfort and fewer side effects in general.
Is IV Sedation Dentistry Right For You?
If you suffer from any condition mentioned above or are generally scared of dental procedures, then you can talk to your dentist about it. Do you still have more questions? Talk to dentists from Almond dental.