If you’d rather be anywhere in the world than seated in your dentist’s office for treatment, you aren’t alone; it’s estimated that around 22% of people actually skip their routine checkups due to fear of dental treatment! Thankfully, modern dentistry provides several solutions for finding peace of mind during dental visits, and among them is sedation dentistry – and more specifically, IV sedation. However, IV sedation isn’t always a suitable option for every patient. Here’s a closer look at this service, some of its benefits, and ultimately what determines if a patient can receive it.
What Exactly Is IV Sedation?
IV sedation differs from other forms of sedation; rather than breathing something in or taking a prescribed medication before the appointment, IV sedation involves administering sedatives directly into a patient’s bloodstream.
This method does not put you fully to sleep; instead, it makes you far less aware of your surroundings, including anything the dentist may or may not be doing to your mouth! You’ll still be responsive to verbal commands or gentle nudging, and you won’t need help breathing.
Are There Any Benefits to Receiving IV Sedation?
IV sedation offers several unique benefits that all work towards ensuring optimal patient outcomes and smoother experiences in the dental chair. Consider the following:
- IV sedation starts working quickly and safely, and you’ll feel little to no pain whatsoever during the procedure.
- It makes treatment easier for all parties involved since a patient is calmer and more compliant.
- Your vitals are carefully monitored throughout treatment, ensuring the dosage can be adjusted in real-time as needed.
- Patients don’t remember much about their procedure once they’ve left the office.
Am I a Good Candidate for IV Sedation?
To put it simply, your dentist knows best if IV sedation is right for you. Before you can receive IV sedation, you’ll need to undergo a health evaluation, including a review of your medical history and medication use. Patients who are older or those with significant medical considerations may require an initial consultation with their primary care provider. Typically, good candidates for IV sedation include:
- Patients with moderate to high dental anxiety.
- Patients in need of more complex, lengthy, or multiple procedures.
- Patients with stronger-than-normal gag reflexes.
Keep in mind that patients who receive IV sedation might receive specific instructions concerning diet before their appointment, and they’ll also need a ride home afterward. It’s also a good idea to have someone keep an eye on them for a while and ensure they refrain from operating heavy machinery or making major life decisions.
In the field of dentistry, comfort is absolutely paramount. For many, the prospect of a dental visit can be daunting or overwhelming, but with the help of IV sedation, these experiences can be made quite manageable, comfortable and positive!
About the Practice
With six convenient locations in Worcester, Dudley, Fitchburg, Lowell and Sturbridge, our team here at Elite Oral Surgery Associates is proud to provide its patients with life-changing dental care. We offer a wide range of services, including IV sedation dentistry for eligible patients. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit for yourself or a loved one, you can contact us online or over the phone for assistance or to find the location closest to you.
