How IV Sedation Is Used to Promote Comfortable, Life-Changing Dentistry

If you suffer from dental-related anxiety, often referred to as dentophobia, did you know that sedation dentistry is one of the best possible means of addressing the issue and getting your smile the care it needs? And of all the options at your dentist’s disposal, few do the job as well as IV sedation. That said, this form of sedation isn’t for every case or patient; it’s going to depend on your circumstances, and different types of medicine can be used. Here’s a brief breakdown.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry refers to dentists using certain types of medications and drugs to instill a state of conscious sedation in patients. IV sedation is one of these methods, which means the medicine is injected directly into the bloodstream, rather than being breathed in or orally ingested. Sedation differs from general anesthesia, which renders a patient completely unconscious and is typically used for long and extensive procedures.

With conscious sedation, patients often don’t remember the duration of their appointment, and it calms both their bodies and minds, allowing dental work to be carried out with ease, no matter how simple or complex. While sedated, patients also often report feeling euphoric and at ease, and anything but anxious. Of course, it also has several practical benefits; some procedures simply cannot be completed if a patient isn’t sedated, or if a patient has certain limitations that make treatment difficult, sedation is often a feasible solution.

What Kind of Medicines Are Used for IV Sedation?

Though it might sound a little intimidating to have medicine injected, IV sedation is completely safe and won’t be performed on patients who aren’t medically cleared. Vital signs including heart rate and oxygen levels are also monitored during every procedure to ensure things go well. Of course, the drugs that are also used are approved and safe for use.

Midazolam is one of the most common medicines used in dental sedation. It’s a derivative of a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines and is great for reducing anxiety and ensuring that patients don’t remember a thing about their dental visit. Propofol is another medicine administered intravenously. It’s safe for adults and children, fast-acting, and is cleared by the body quickly. Ketamine can also serve as a safe and effective conscious sedation agent, as can dexmedetomidine. 

Each medicine has its advantages and disadvantages, and you’ll need to speak with your dentist about which option is best for you. Sedation dentistry includes a range of options designed to meet a patient’s specific needs, so even those with the most extreme dental phobias or other extenuating circumstances can easily get proper care.

About the Practice

With six convenient locations in Worcester, Dudley, Fitchburg, Lowell, and Sturbridge, here at Elite Oral Surgery Associates, we’re very proud to provide our patients with life-changing dental care! We offer a wide range of services, including IV sedation dentistry. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit, you can contact us online or over the phone for assistance or to find the location closest to you.