IV Sedation Dentistry

DO I NEED IV SEDATION DENTISTRY?

While there are no specific qualifications for sedation, the majority of patients who request anti-anxiety medication or IV sedation experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Anxiety or fear of dental visits

• Sensitive gag reflex

• Neck or back problems

• Experience soreness or discomfort after sitting in the dental chair

• Difficulty numbing with a local anesthetic

• Require a significant amount of dental work in one visit

• Apprehensive about needles or pain

BENEFITS OF I.V. SEDATION DENTISTRY

Relieves Pain: While I.V. sedation does not contain pain relievers, studies show that high levels of anxiety reduce pain tolerance. Therefore, as sedation dentistry reduces your anxiety, your pain tolerance should naturally increase. Sleep dentistry is always accompanied by a local anesthetic for procedures that would require it without sleep dentistry. This way, you know you will be comfortable.

Maintains Alertness: Although sedation dentistry is often referred to as “sleep dentistry,” it does not always cause patients to fall asleep. Most patients feel somewhat groggy and sleepy, but remain awake enough to communicate any pain or concerns to the sedation dentist.

Reduces Soreness: If you experience neck or back pain, sedation dentistry relaxes muscle tension so that you can sit comfortably in the chair, reducing soreness afterwards.

Safe: IV sedation is considered one of the safest forms of sedation dentistry because it allows you to feel calm and relaxed while still keeping your natural reflexes alert in case of an emergency. Our sedation dentist and his team will also check your vital signs regularly throughout the procedure.

Health Precaution: For those who generally experience extreme stress and anxiety during dental appointments, sedation dentistry reduces the risk of other health complications—such as heart problems, strokes, etc.—from occurring during the visit.

Superior Care: Not only does sleep dentistry help you feel more at ease in the dental chair, but it also increases the quality of dental care because the sedation dentist can work more effectively when you are still and relaxed.