Sometimes no matter how much you tell yourself there’s nothing to worry about, your fears or anxieties can make doing certain tasks nearly impossible. Whether you avoid skyscrapers due to a fear of heights, run from the room at the sight of a spider, or put off your dentist appointment for as long as possible, fear can be a powerful emotion.
Thankfully, when it comes to dental phobia, many dentists offer sedation options to help you relax enough to complete your appointment. But sometimes nitrous oxide or oral sedation simply isn’t enough. The great news is, if you suffer from anxiety at the dentist’s office, you may be an excellent candidate for IV sedation.
What Is IV Sedation?
IV sedation is the practice of administering a sedative intravenously. This allows your dentist to deliver a more powerful sedative than nitrous oxide or an anxiety pill. It keeps you in a constant state of calm, but keeps you awake and alert enough to respond to questions, follow instructions, and breathe naturally. When the IV is removed, you will gradually return to your waking state.
IV sedation works quickly, so there’s no need for a lengthy waiting period before your dental procedure can be started, and because it has amnesic effects, you should not remember your procedure at all.
What Happens During IV Sedation?
When you are scheduled to receive IV sedation, you will be given instructions to follow on the day of your procedure. These include:
- Do not eat for 6-8 hours before your sedation
- Stop taking certain medications as advised by your dentist
- Arrange a ride to and from your appointment
Once you arrive at your appointment, your dentist will administer the IV. Any medications needed for your procedure will be given through the same IV. Your dentist will continuously monitor your vital signs and keep an eye out for any adverse effects.
When your procedure is complete, your dentist will remove the IV and you will gradually regain normal awareness over the next few hours. Despite being more awake, you will still not be allowed to drive a motor vehicle for 24 hours, so be sure to prepare accordingly.
Am I a Good Candidate for IV Sedation?
If you are interested in undergoing IV sedation during your dental appointment, your dentist will take several factors into consideration, including:
- Your overall health
- Your medical history
- Your current medications
Before scheduling you to receive IV sedation, your dentist will have an honest discussion with you and go over your medical history, the pros and cons of IV sedation, any questions or concerns you may have, and whether he or she feels you are a good fit for it.
Don’t let your fears hold you back from getting the dental care you need. If you are in good health and suffer from severe enough anxiety that milder forms of sedation are not enough, you are likely an excellent candidate for IV sedation.
About Dr. Martin
Dr. Gregory D. Martin developed his passion for dentistry by watching his father care for patients in his own dental practice. Following in his father’s footsteps, today Dr. Martin is proud to offer that same standard of care to his own patients right here in Grapevine.
At Smiles By Martin, it is our goal to provide quality care in a comfortable setting. Whether it’s cosmetic, general dentistry, restorations, or making patients feel safe through sedation dentistry, we can’t wait to make you smile. To schedule an appointment for sedation dentistry, please visit our website or call 817-567-2125.