What is IV Sedation Dentistry?
If you’re one of the many US adults who feel fear or anxiety when faced with the prospect of a dental visit, you might benefit from sedation dentistry. One sedation dentistry option is IV sedation, which helps relieve dental anxiety and allows phobic patients to receive thorough, proper dental care. Read on to learn more about IV sedation dentistry and help determine if this option is right for you.
Intravenous, or IV, sedation dentistry involves conscious sedation that relaxes patients during their dental appointments. Conscious sedation means that the patient isn’t put to sleep; they’re just more relaxed and less aware of their surroundings. While under IV sedation, patients can still breathe on their own and respond to verbal commands. IV sedation dentistry differs from other types of sedation dentistry because the sedative is administered intravenously, through the patient’s vein. While this may seem daunting, there are many benefits to IV sedation. First and foremost, IV sedation works very quickly, making the entire dental procedure painless and relaxing. During IV sedation dentistry procedures, your dentist will monitor your vital signs and adjust the sedation dosage as needed. Because IV sedation can be used for extended periods, it allows dentists to perform multiple dental procedures in a single sitting, making complicated treatments more convenient for the patient. It also creates extended periods of amnesia, which means patients shouldn’t remember any part of the dental procedure after it’s complete.
Before and After IV Sedation
IV sedation dentistry procedures require a little more preparation than other types of sedation and other types of dentistry. Your dentist will make sure you have explicit guidelines to follow before your procedure. Before the procedure, you’ll share your complete medical history with your dentist, including a detailed list of any medications you may take. To ensure safety during sedation, you’ll be directed to avoid eating and drinking for around 8 hours before your procedure, and you may be cautioned to avoid the use of certain medications for a brief period before the procedure. Guidelines may also include recommendations to ensure your comfort during the procedure, and to make sure you have someone there to drive you home after the procedure; it is extremely dangerous to drive after IV sedation, and dentists won’t perform sedation procedures without a driver present.
At the start of your IV sedation dentistry procedure, a dental associate will insert an IV into your arm or hand. If other medications are needed, these may also be included with the IV sedation medication. You will feel the sedative effects immediately, and your dentist will monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure. Following the procedure, it’s likely that you’ll feel drowsy for a few hours. You’ll take home written after-care instructions, and you should avoid driving, strenuous activity, alcohol, and new medications for the next 24 hours. While complications are rare, contact the dentist if anything feels problematic.
Is IV Sedation Dentistry Right for Me?
If you experience medium to high dental phobia or anxiety, IV sedation dentistry could be a good solution for you. IV sedation is also a good option for patients who need extensive or painful dental work, patients with sensitive gag reflexes that may be triggered by dental procedures, or patients who require multiple procedures or very long procedures. If you’re curious, check with your dentist to learn more about the sedation dentistry options that may be recommended for you.