Do you have an extensive oral procedure on the horizon, such as dental implant surgery or an in-depth gum disease treatment? It’s normal to feel nervous about them, but you can rest assured that your dentist will make you feel comfortable. They might offer IV sedation to make it easier, but what is it? Continue reading to learn more about it and how you can tell if it’s right for you.
What Exactly Is IV Sedation?
IV, or intravenous, sedation is when you receive the sedative medication directly into your bloodstream. It gives you the deepest state of relaxation compared to other methods, helping you feel calm during the entire procedure.
This type of sedation is different from general anesthesia. The latter would render you completely unconscious, while the former will keep you conscious. You will be able to respond to simple questions that your dentist asks and follow easy instructions. That being said, since you will be very relaxed, you might fall asleep or have no memory of the procedure happening. If that worries you, don’t worry, since you will be watched over by an experienced dental team that ensures your safety.
How Can I Tell If I’m a Good Candidate?
When it comes to seeing if IV sedation is right for you, many factors can come into play. Here is what can influence your eligibility for it:
- Your Level of Anxiety: Any concerns or fears that you have when it comes to dental procedures can help guide your dentist to find the right sedation for you. If you have significant anxiety that prevents you from getting the care you need, then IV sedation might be your best option.
- Type of Procedure: In most cases, complex or lengthy treatments need this to help make patients comfortable the entire time. It can be used for more minor services, but it’s important to remember that you will need someone to drive you home afterward, so it might not be the most convenient for small procedures.
- Pain Threshold: Feeling severe discomfort is a worry that many people have, and IV sedation can help manage it. Since many people typically don’t remember what happens during the procedure, it can make the entire process easier.
- Medical History: It’s important to be honest when asked questions about any conditions you have and your background with anesthesia and sedatives. This can help your dentist decide if the treatment will not only be right, but also safe for you.
- Previous Experiences: Another thing worth mentioning is whether you had a past negative experience at a dental office that made you become more apprehensive about receiving oral care. Your current dentist will hear your worries and adjust their treatment plan to help make you more comfortable.
Being worried about an upcoming treatment is completely normal. Many people are anxious about getting the dental procedure they need to get back to a pristine smile. You can consider IV sedation, just be sure to talk to your dentist about the pros and cons of it for your situation!
About the Practice
Led by Dr. TJ Sprague and Dr. JP Beller, our team at Berkshire Dental Group wants you to feel confident in your care. We offer IV sedation along with other forms to help ensure your comfort during treatments. By talking to you about your anxieties and concerns, we can come up with a game plan that’s easy for you and get your oral health back on track. If you have questions about how IV sedation can help you, schedule an appointment or call us at (918) 250-9528.