What Is IV Sedation Dentistry?
IV sedation dentistry has become a popular option for patients who struggle with severe dental anxiety. However, for some patients, the thought of IV sedation is itself a source of anxiety. We’d like to put to rest some of the misconceptions and clarify the benefits of this type of sedation. Depending on your situation, it might be just the solution you’ve been looking for.
An Overview of IV Sedation Dentistry
With IV sedation, the dentist uses an IV line to administer medications intravenously and put you into a deeply relaxing state during your dental procedure. There are many forms of sedation that a dentist can use, but IV treatment is the deepest form of conscious sedation dentistry. In other words, you’re still technically awake but in a completely blissful frame of mind.
The treatment is sometimes referred to as twilight sedation. It’s an almost dream-like state where you’re awake but not fully cognizant of your surroundings. You’ll have enough awareness to observe what’s happening and answer any questions that your dentist asks, but you won’t feel any fear or anxiety while in the dental chair. Once the medication wears off, you might not remember anything about the procedure. Most patients come out of sedation feeling like an hour-long procedure lasted 5 minutes. All patients are monitored during IV sedation.
IV Sedation vs General Anesthesia
IV sedation is not the same thing as general anesthesia, although it does share some attributes. General anesthesia includes deep sedation as one component, but it has other components as well. With general anesthesia, you’re completely unconscious. With IV sedation, you’re semi-conscious.
For some patients, a dentist might recommend IV sedation over general anesthesia because general anesthesia is not right for every patient. General anesthesia requires the assistance of a skilled anesthesiologist, and the patient must undergo constant monitoring of vital signs. IV sedation is far less invasive.
General anesthesia is still an excellent option for many invasive dental procedures, including many surgeries. However, for many patients, IV sedation dentistry may be an excellent alternative with fewer risks and a shorter recovery time.
Is IV Sedation Dentistry Safe?
IV sedation dentistry is extremely safe. It requires only the use of IV medications—and they’re the same anti-anxiety medications that are commonly administered orally. By administering them intravenously, the dentist is simply able to ensure that the medication works more quickly and with greater strength. Because the medication works quickly, the dentist can tell when the patient has been given the right amount of that medicine and is sedated.
Throughout the sedation process, your dentist carefully monitors your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and oxygen level. This is just a general precaution, as complications involving IV sedation dentistry are extremely rare. Your dentist should discuss your medical history with you—as well as any medications you’re taking—before they decide to administer IV sedation.
Who Is a Good Candidate for IV Sedation Dentistry?
IV sedation dentistry may be recommended for:
Patients who have severe dental anxiety
Patients who have had traumatic dental experiences in the past
Patients who are undergoing a major treatment like the dental implant procedure
Patients who have a sensitive gag reflex
Patients who have a chronic pain condition or a lower-than-average pain tolerance
Patients with certain mental or physical disabilities
It’s important to note, however, that IV sedation dentistry isn’t an ideal solution for every patient. Patients with certain conditions and who take certain medications might not be good candidates. That’s why it’s important to undergo a complete evaluation to ensure that the procedure is right for you. If you’re not a good candidate for IV sedation dentistry, your dentist might recommend alternatives.
What Other Types of Sedation Dentistry Are Available?
At Salin Dentistry, we have three types of sedation dentistry available: nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. The best type of sedation will ultimately depend on the procedure and the patient’s anxiety level.
Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is the mildest form of conscious sedation. It can help you to relax if you have mild to moderate anxiety, and it also helps to dull some of the pain. You remain fully aware of your surroundings.
Oral sedation is stronger than nitrous oxide but not as strong as IV sedation. With this type of sedation, you would take a pill a few hours before your dental appointment. Common oral sedation medications include lorazepam and triazolam.
IV sedation, of course, is the deepest form of sedation. It tends to cost a bit more than nitrous oxide and oral sedation, but it’s an excellent all-around solution for many patients, and it’s done right in the dental office. It virtually eliminates pain, rids your mind of anxiety, and allows you to experience the procedure in a completely relaxed state.
Find Out if IV Sedation Dentistry Is Right for You
More than 60% of Americans have dental phobia to some degree. For many, IV sedation dentistry can help. If you’re curious about the benefits of IV sedation dentistry for your next dental procedure, the first step is to speak with an experienced dentist who offers the procedure.
At Salin Dentistry in Bakersfield, Dr. Salin offers all three common forms of sedation dentistry to our patients, including intravenous sedation. He excels in helping patients to determine the best type of sedation based on their procedure, medical history, and comfort level.
To learn more, find a dentist in your area who offers IV sedation dentistry and find out if the treatment is right for you. It might be just what you need to overcome your dental anxiety and complete the course of dental treatment you need.