Sedation Dentistry- A Details You Must Not Forget

Dental anxiety can lead to a major impediment to teeth management. According to the American Dental Association, nearly 22% of the population skips dental appointments due to an underlying fear of dentists. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers several solutions to find peace of mind visiting a dentist. IV dental sedation is only one option that can ease dental anxiety. Sedation dentistry is a boon to the people with such anxiety.

What It Is?

IV sedation dentistry is a conscious form of sedation that helps you to get comfortable and relaxed during your meeting. This method doesn't allow you to sleep completely, but makes you less conscious of your environment — even of everything the dentist does or doesn't do to your mouth is understandable to you. This indicates, you can still answer verbal commands and don't help for breathing. In contrast to other types of sedation (e.g. nitrous oxide) that are inhaled or taken as a pill, the dentist uses the sedation intravenously through the veins.

IV sedation gives several advantages:

  • It starts working instantly and during the procedure you will feel no pain.

  • You can monitor your life and adjust your treatment easily.

  • It creates an amnesia for a long period so that when you wake up you may not remember the process.

  • You can cooperate more long-lastingly so that your dentist can carry out several operations on one appointment only.

Preparation of IV sedation

You have to prepare for IV sedation better compared to a normal dental appointment because you forfeit some of your mental faculties. See here to know the whole preparation of sedation dentistry:

Before

Before your appointment, your dentist will give you explicit instructions. Usually, this means wearing comfortable clothes, avoiding eating or drinking at least 6-7 hours prior to sedation and stop taking some medicines (unless previously approved). A complete medical history must be given and your dentist alerts to any changes in advance should be considered. Ask a driver to pick you up and take you to your appointment.

During

Upon sitting on a dental chair, an IV in your hand or arm will be initiated by a professional. You will usually receive these medicines through IV if you require any other medicines—such as pain medicines, anti-inflammatory agents, or steroids. During the whole procedure, your dentist will monitor your pulse, respiration and blood pressure to monitor any side effects. You should feel relaxing and unconscious of sights, smells or sounds immediately.

After

You may feel somewhat drowsy over the course of several hours after the procedure. Your driver will take your dentist with you and collect any further instructions. The following 24 hours you will have to clear your calendar and prevent harrowing, unapproved drugs, alcohol, heavy machinery or major life choices. Sedation problems are rare but if you suspect any problems, contact the dentist immediately.

Are you a successful IV sedation candidate?

A health assessment along with a review of your medical history and use of your drugs will be conducted before the dentist schedules you for IV sedation. Patients who are older or who have major medical considerations may first need to consult their primary care doctor or medical specialist. In general, good IV sedation candidates include:

  • People with high dental anxiety

  • People with greater pain and reflexed

  • Those who need more or more procedures

Your dentist ultimately knows best whether IV sedation is appropriate for you. However, additional training is needed to be able to offer IV sedation and you should check what is available with your dental office. If you do not receive the treatment that you need, you should know your options for relaxation and comfortable oral care. Visit Comprehensive Family Dentistry in Oklahoma City to know more about the process.

**Disclaimer: This content is not a professional dental or medical advice and does not imply a relationship between patient and care provider or the doctors.