5 Benefits and 3 Risks of IV Sedation
Having dental anxiety is common, but it shouldn’t stop you from seeing a dentist in Mesa for cleanings and other dental work. IV sedation helps you feel more relaxed curing your procedure and appointment. If think IV dental sedation might be what you need, make sure you know the benefits and risks associated with it.
Benefits of IV Sedation
IV sedation involves administering medication intravenously (through a needle) while you undergo dental treatment. This anti-anxiety medication helps keep you calm and reduces nervousness during your appointment and procedure. There are some important benefits that this type of sedation offers.
Conscious Sedation
With IV sedation, you’re not fully unconscious as with general anesthesia. Although you will not fall asleep, you’re also not as fully aware of what is happening during your appointment. You can still respond to any verbal cues your dentist gives when having your teeth cleaned or having other dental work done. Your discomfort during your dental treatment is also reduced. IV sedation works well for patients withe severe dental anxiety, who need stronger sedation than nitrous oxide.
Fast-Acting Sedation
IV sedation provides relief from nervousness quickly, since the anti-anxiety medication goes right to your bloodstream. This type of sedation works faster than oral sedation or inhaled sedation. With IV sedation, you won’t wait long for the effects to kick in, which reduces your time at the dentist’s office.
Easy Dosage Adjustment
The use of IV sedation makes it easy for your dentist to adjust the dosage as needed. If you need a stronger dosage, for example, your dentist can make this adjustment. Easily adjustable dosages helps ensure that you receive the correct amount needed to relieve dental anxiety.
Little to No Recall
IV sedation produces an amnesia-like effect, so you won’t remember much about your dental appointment. In some cases, patients don’t remember any details about their appointment. This helps reduce any associated unpleasant feelings with dental visits, which may help lower your risk of dental anxiety for upcoming appointments.
No Dental Work Delays
When you have dental anxiety, you might put off having dental work done out of fear. You might even delay having routine cleanings and exams done if you suffer from severe anxiety. This often leads to more serious dental problems over time. With IV sedation, you get the dental cleanings and other dental work you need done on schedule instead of putting it off. This helps keep your teeth and gums healthy overall.
Risks of IV Sedation
IV sedation is generally considered safe for those who are good candidates which includes the majority of patients. Your dentist will ask about underlying health conditions or other factors to determine if another form of sedation is a better option. If you opt for IV sedation, keep in mind that the risks associated with it are rare. Working with a well-trained dentist is important to keep you safe and reduce any problems. However, it’s important to be aware of the risks.
Over-Sedation
Too much sedation could lead to serious problems. However, dentists quickly make adjustments to IV sedation dosages, which makes over-sedation less likely to occur. Seeing a qualified dentist with plenty of sedation experience reduces your overall risk.
Respiratory Problems
Respiratory distress may occur with IV sedation, such as in those who have been too deeply sedated. Keep in mind that this is rare. A good dentist will monitored for respiratory distress and other health issues during your procedure and while sedation is administered.
Longer Recovery
The effects of IV sedation can take hours to wear off, which makes driving unsafe. Make sure someone brings you to the dentist and drives you home afterwards. You should also avoid driving for the rest of the day or for as long as your dentist recommends in order to allow the sedatives to fully wear off.
Conclusion
If you’re anxious about dental appointments, including routine exams and cleanings, we can help. Our dentists in Phoenix and Mesa offer IV sedation and other forms of dental sedation to help you feel more comfortable. We will help you get through basic cleanings and more in-depth procedures with less stress and anxiety and more comfort.
