If the idea of completing a dental treatment makes you feel anxious, nervous, or frightened to the point that you constantly reschedule (or even cancel) your visits, there are options available to help you get comfortable. One of these options is IV sedation, which is often recommended by oral surgeons for patients who suffer dental phobia or struggle significantly to receive dental treatments. If you are unfamiliar with this service but want to learn more, keep reading!
What is IV Sedation?
IV sedation is a form of conscious sedation designed to put you into a deep state of relaxation. As a result, you’ll be less aware of your surroundings and more capable of receiving dental treatment, including oral surgery. This method is far more powerful than nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation, which are meant for those with mild to moderate dental anxiety.
Keep in mind that while IV sedation is a stronger sedative, you won’t be put to sleep in the same way you are with general anesthesia. In fact, you aren’t put to sleep at all (although some patients do become so relaxed that they briefly doze off). You’ll be able to receive verbal commands from your surgeon as well as communicate with the doctor should you need assistance getting comfortable.
Common Candidates for IV Sedation
Many patients can find IV sedation to be not only useful, but essential to making dental treatments possible if they experience dental fear or have any of the following:
- The need to complete a very long treatment
- The need to complete several treatments in one sitting
- A strong gag reflex
- Low pain tolerance
- Sensitivity to dental stimuli in general (i.e. sights, sounds, smells, etc.)
- Cognitive impairments or physical injuries that make sitting in the dental chair difficult
The best way to find out if dental sedation is right for you is to speak with a dentist directly. They can confirm whether your concerns can be appropriately mitigated with IV sedation or another dental sedative. If they determine that IV sedation can help you, keep in mind that a friend or family member will need to drive you to and from the office as you won’t be able to operate a vehicle for the next few hours as the sedative wears off.
How Does IV Sedation Work?
After speaking with you about your eligibility to receive sedatives, you’ll be asked to wear comfortable clothing on the day of your treatment and avoid eating or drinking anything 6 to 8 hours before your appointment.
Once you’re in the dental chair, the surgeon will place an IV into your arm so the sedative can reach your bloodstream directly. This step is vital to helping you get relaxed quickly. The team members assisting the surgeon can also adjust the amount of sedative administered on-the-fly if needed. Your pulse, breathing, and blood pressure will be monitored closely to catch any adverse reactions.
Any sights, sounds, or smells inside the office will quickly fade away as the sedative takes effect. When the treatment is complete, the IV will be removed and you’ll be sent home to relax as the sedative slowly wears off.
You don’t need to put off your necessary dental care just because of anxiety. Get in touch with an oral surgeon today and find out if IV sedation or another form of sedation dentistry is right for you!
About South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
The oral surgeons of South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery are highly experienced in administering multiple forms of sedation dentistry, so you can feel confident knowing you’re in good hands should you need treatment to restore your smile and oral health. To find out if IV sedation or another option can help you complete treatment, you can contact them through their website.