If you’re avoiding necessary dental attention due to your fear of the dentist, it’s time for you to learn how your dentist in Carlisle uses IV sedation to calm dental anxiety. Safe and effective, IV sedation has helped numerous patients like you let go of their fears and relax through dental treatment. Sound appealing? We think it’s just what you and your smile need. Continue reading to learn more about this option in sedation dentistry.
IV Sedation: How It Works
IV sedation is administered through a vein in the crook of the elbow or in the back of the hand. Because the medicine goes directly into the bloodstream, its effects take over immediately — faster than with other sedation methods. Under IV sedation, you won’t be completely unconscious, though you may doze off periodically throughout your procedure. Mostly, you’ll be completely relaxed and removed from the sights, smells, and sounds of what’s going on around you.
Because IV sedation offers a deeper level of relaxation, we’ll be carefully monitoring your vital signs while you’re under anesthesia. Our team of experts will have an eye on your heart rate and breath to ensure your complete safety until the treatment is complete and the IV has been removed.
Patients undergoing IV sedation should arrange an escort to and from their dental appointment, as its effects may not fully wear off for several hours after the IV is removed.
IV Sedation: Who It’s For
As we’ve stated, IV sedation is a great option for patients dealing with a significant fear or anxiety associated with receiving dental treatment. But its applications go beyond soothing anxiety — it’s also a great option for those who have physical difficulty sitting still for long periods of time at all. Patients with disabilities or muscular pain often can’t relax in the procedure chair for long enough to receive proper treatment, but IV sedation provides great help in these cases.
Additionally, IV sedation is an effective option for special needs patients who may not understand the need for visiting the dentist, or that they must remain still during treatment. Patients who wish to have long treatments or multiple procedures completed in just one visit to the dentist can also benefit from the use of IV sedation.
IV Sedation: Side Effects
The side effects of IV sedation are usually brief and mild. Some patients experience nausea or sleepiness throughout their recovery. Others report temporary amnesia, not remembering anything from their procedure — an effect those dealing with dental anxiety often consider to be a good thing.
Request Your Appointment Today!
If you’ve been delaying your necessary dental treatment due to your dental fear or inability to sit in the dental chair, or if you’re the caretaker of a special needs patient, we’d love to discuss your options in sedation dentistry. Your IV sedation dentist in Carlisle wants to help you receive the relaxing dental care you need. Request your appointment online today!
