Do you have a phobia of dentist visits or get anxious before receiving dental treatments? If your answer is yes, don’t worry, you are not alone. Many people feel so anxious about visiting the dentist that they prefer not to have any dental treatment. That’s why modern dental science uses a technique called IV sedation dentistry to make your dental visit comfortable and stress-free.
Today, trained and experienced dentists generally use safe and effective IV sedation techniques to keep you relaxed and comfortable while undergoing dental procedures. Some sedation technique options include oral conscious sedation, nitrous oxide, and intravenous (IV) sedation. However, dentists require special certification to provide some forms of sedation.
In this blog, we will learn some basic facts and benefits of IV sedation dentistry.
What Is IV Sedation Dentistry?
IV sedation dentistry helps you remain calm, comfortable, relaxed, and stress-free during dental procedures. The technique involves the administration of medication intravenously to keep you in a relaxed state while your dentist performs a dental procedure. As a result, the patient remains conscious while undergoing treatment procedures but will not feel any smell, pain or noises that trigger his anxiety level. IV Sedation dentistry is an ideal option for those who are fearful and anxious about seeking dentist services.
Who Needs IV Sedation Dentistry?
People of all ages can get benefit from IV sedation dentistry. Dentists generally recommend this option for those who:
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- Have a low pain threshold.
- Have dental anxiety
- Cannot sit in the dentist’s chair for long.
- Have a fear of needles.
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- Have high teeth sensitivity.
- Have a sensitive gag reflex.
- Have difficulty controlling movements.
- Have special cognitive or behavioural needs.
- Need several dental works.
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Benefits Of IV Sedation Dentistry
Sedation for dentistry involves using medications to provide relaxation and comfort during dental treatment procedures. In addition, it allows your dentist to complete the dental treatment process smoothly while you sleep.
However, IV sedation or intravenous sedation is one of the sedation techniques that is generally used during dental surgery, oral surgery, plastic surgery, and orthopaedic surgery. In this technique, the doctor administers sedatives intravenously to make the patient feel drowsy. It’s an effective alternative to anaesthesia.
IV sedation is used during minor but painful surgical procedures, including cyst removal, tooth extraction, fracture reduction, etc. In addition, it provides a safer option for persons with diabetes, heart disease, and circulatory disorders.
Some of the benefits of IV sedation techniques are:
- Gives Quicker Effects
It offers immediate effects to eliminate your anxiety and relax you in the dentist’s chair. IV sedation reaches the bloodstream much quicker, unlike oral sedation. Thus, its effects are quick and more pronounced.
- Dentist Gets Immediate Alert To Patient’s Abnormality
IV sedation eliminates your sensation of pain while other processes remain functioning. Here you will not remain in an unconscious state and will be able to move and breathe, unlike general anaesthesia. It proves helpful to dentists because your body movement during discomfort can alert the dentist and attendants to any abnormality during the surgical procedures. It allows them to react swiftly.
- Lesser Side Effects
IV Sedation has lesser side effects than that general anaesthesia. This is because it allows healthcare professionals to measure the dosage and inject it accurately. On the contrary, in the case of general anaesthesia, there are chances of heavy dosages that can cause severe side effects. In addition, in rare cases, it can shut down cognitive functions for an undetermined period.
- Less Likelihood Of Nausea & Blood Clots
The chances of nausea and blood clots are lower with an IV sedative. However, in other forms of administered anaesthesia, some patients may experience side effects causing delays in the surgical procedure.
- Provides Greater Cooperation
You will achieve calmness and comfort through IV sedation. In addition, it allows your dentist to accomplish more work in a shorter time as it increases patient cooperation.
- Quicker Recovery
Recovery from IV sedatives is much quicker than that of general anaesthesia. As a result, you may experience very little uneasiness once you come out of the effects of the sedative. Whereas in the case of anaesthesia, a patient generally requires a couple of hours to wear off grogginess and reorient themselves.
- No Memory
Amnesia is a side effect of IV sedation that makes patients unable to remember anything or experience pain. Therefore, it can make you more cooperative and more likely to continue with regular dental visits.
What Sunshine Dental Group Cosmetic Dentistry Offers
IV sedation techniques can reduce the adverse effects of the surgical procedure in patients since they are more relaxed and can respond better. The method is highly effective during complicated dental procedures like wisdom tooth extraction, implant surgery, root canal, and gum surgery.
Sunshine Dental Group is dedicated to providing the best quality dental treatment in a friendly, comfortable and caring environment. We have certification in IV sedation dentistry and make patients feel comfortable and relaxed, offering them a positive dental visit experience.
We are here to listen to your oral concerns and offer you comfortable solutions for better oral health. If you don’t see a dentist due to fear or anxiety, we are here to help you. Call us on (03) 9133 8659. You can use our online form to send us a message and book an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IV sedation safe for dental procedures?
The answer is ‘yes’. IV sedation is safe for smoothly carrying out any dental procedure. At Sunshine Dental Group, we can guarantee that our IV sedation technique is highly safe and effective. Our professionals have got a special certification to use it. We have been using this technique in dentistry for decades with a high success rate and almost no complications.
In addition, we monitor our patients during the entire period of dental procedures. However, IV sedation is the most predictable sedative technique among all other sedation options. You may feel slightly drowsy following IV sedation. However, it will subside within a few hours following the dental procedure.
How long generally IV sedation takes to wear off?
IV sedation works quicker than other forms of sedation. It generally makes the patient fall asleep 15-30 minutes after administration. Once the IV sedation is removed, you will start waking up in about 20 minutes. It generally takes six hours to recover from sedative effects fully. However, if you are overweight with high blood pressure, are a pregnant or nursing mother or have some instances of glaucoma, you may not be suitable for the IV sedation technique.
Does IV sedation require any preparation?
Yes, you will have to prepare before administering the IV sedation dosage. Some of the preparations are:
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- You should be mindful and not drink or eat anything after midnight the night before your surgery or as your doctor recommends.
- You will have to visit the hospital with a responsible adult.
- If you have removable bridges, dentures, or a partial plate, you should wear them on the day of your surgery. You will have to bring a container to store them during the surgery.
- You may have to pay partially or make full payment before the surgery. So, please come with prior preparation.
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You can contact us to find out more.
