Many patients have a fear of visiting the dentist. This can hurt your dental health if a dental professional doesn’t perform a regular check-up and cleaning. Visiting the dentist is a fundamental part of a strong oral hygiene routine, and this has been aided by the availability of IV sedation to use during a dental appointment.
What Is IV Sedation?
IV sedation, formally known as Intravenous (IV) sedation, is a form of anesthetic drug designed to reduce any feelings of anxiety and any sensitivity during treatment by relaxing a patient. This means that if you’ve any fears of needles and you’re scared of any discomfort, IV sedation will help to conscious relax you to get you through your treatment.
How Is IV Sedation Given Felt?
IV sedation is given through a catheter that is inserted into a vein. As a patient, you’ll be in a relaxed state whilst the surgical site will be numbed, so there is zero feeling or sensation during treatment. As a patient, you’ll feel like you’re in a ‘dream-like’ state, and you won’t have any recollection of even visiting the dentist once it’s all done.
Is IV Sedation Safe?
IV sedation is performed by a dental professional, and it is extremely safe. The dental practice needs to be board-certified to administer it to perform IV sedation. If your dental practice is qualified to perform IV sedation, it is a good recommendation to help you get through any anxious feelings and thoughts.
Is IV Sedation Suitable For Everyone?
You should be familiar with IV sedation first before it is administered as part of any dental treatment. This will help the dentist determine if IV sedation is suitable to relieve sensitivity and anxiety. This is also an opportunity to help you as a patient determine if IV sedation is right for you.
I Would Like IV Sedation – What Should I Do?
Notify the dentist that you’d like IV sedation as part of your dental appointment. However, there are other pre-requisites that you’re recommended to follow before your appointment:
- Bring an adult or companion with you to the dentist to take you home afterwards because the anesthesia will wear off a few hours after treatment. Therefore, once treatment is over, you’ll still feel its effects of it.
- The sedation medication may take up to 24 hours for it to disappear from your system.
- You are recommended to stay home and rest until the sedation medication has worn off. This is important, especially if you’ve had restorative treatments that require you to rest as part of aftercare.
- Avoid drinking any alcohol whilst the sedation medication is in your system.
- Avoid any strenuous activity or driving until 24 hours have passed.
IV sedation is safe and has proven to be successful for other patients. Get in touch with our experienced Wollongong dentists and Fairy Meadow Dentists if you’re seeking support with sedation treatment at your dental appointment.
