Many people feel anxious when they have an invasive upcoming dental treatment, like a root canal or an extraction. However, you might avoid scheduling the procedure needed to preserve your dental health if you’re overly afraid.
Thankfully, your dentist can offer medications, like IV sedation, to help you feel comfortable and calm throughout your appointment. Continue reading to learn more about this service and who it can help, to decide if it’s right for you!
What is Dental IV Sedation?
There are many potential methods your provider can utilize to put you at ease during your appointment. For instance, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation in pill form are both popular ways to medicate patients to successfully complete everything from basic preventive care to more complex procedures.
However, IV sedation is usually considered the most potent option. It’s administered just like the general anesthesia used at hospitals, but it isn’t quite as strong. It helps you enter a deep state of relaxation rather than render you unconscious, but you might feel so drowsy that you drift off. Either way, you’re not likely to remember the details of your treatment, which is often an added benefit for people who suffer severe anxiety.
Who Can Get Dental IV Sedation?
Some people mistakenly assume they can’t receive IV sedation because it’s reserved for invasive or complex procedures, but that’s not necessarily the case. Although this service can indeed be used in such circumstances, your dentist might also recommend it if you have:
- Severe anxiety around dental appointments. This medication can set your mind and body at ease throughout your visit.
- Multiple procedures back-to-back or lengthier treatments. If you struggle to sit still, this can help you remain relaxed so your dentist can complete your treatment.
- Resistance to other options. If you’re allergic or don’t respond well to local anesthetic, laughing gas, or oral conscious sedation, you might still benefit from this option.
- A sensitive gag reflex. Your dentist needs to be able to work without being hindered by your body’s natural reflexes.
- Special needs. Those struggling with mobility or cognitive challenges may require medication to complete their appointment.
Is Dental IV Sedation Right for Me?
It’s natural to have questions about dental IV sedation, but only your dentist can help determine whether you’re a good candidate. It can interfere with certain medical conditions, like respiratory disease or heart problems, so they must determine whether it’s safe for you. If you’re overly anxious or think you might benefit from this medication, contact them and have an honest conversation about your needs and concerns. Then, they can recommend an appropriate option based on your unique situation.
Whether you opt for IV sedation or another method, your dentist is happy to discuss ways to help you feel calm and confident during your stay!
About the Practice
At Exceptional Dentistry & Sedation Center, you benefit from a team of dentists with decades of combined experience. They are passionate about helping people improve their lives by enhancing their oral health. Often referred to as the “Ritz Carlton” of dentistry, they offer a complete array of services to conveniently meet all your needs under one roof. Their welcoming office environment is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to improve patient comfort and the accuracy of their treatment results. Plus, they offer multiple medications, including IV sedation, to soothe your frayed nerves. You can request an appointment on the website or call (352) 332-6725.
