How IV Sedation Can Transform Your Dental Experience

If the thought of dental work terrifies you, you’re not alone. Between 50% to 80% of adults live with some dental anxiety, ranging from mild to severe forms that interfere with access to treatment. Sedation is a powerful tool to help ease fear and create a stress-free dentistry experience.

How Does IV Sedation Work?

IV sedation is a type of moderate conscious sedation that makes you sleepy during dental work. Your dentist inserts an intravenous (IV) line into your vein to deliver medications that make you fall asleep. This form of sedation is the deepest form you can have in a clinic.

Your dentist and dental team monitor your oxygen, heart rate, and blood pressure while you’re sedated and can give you other medications to reverse the sedation. You’ll have little to no memory when you wake up, making it a good option to receive the dental treatment you need without dealing with fear, anxiety, or pain.  

Benefits of IV Sedation

IV sedation has many benefits for those who struggle to get necessary dental treatments because of dental anxiety or fear. It’s also helpful for people with certain conditions or behavioral disorders that make it hard to sit for dental work.  

Eases Anxiety

Dental fear and anxiety can be overwhelming and severe and lead to delays in critical and necessary treatment. IV sedation uses antianxiety medications, like diazepam or midazolam, that relieve anxiety and allow you to fall asleep with little memory of treatment. It’s ideal for severe anxiety and long procedures and provides an option for stress-free dentistry.

Eases Pain

A previous bad experience at the dentist may cause a fear of pain, contributing to worsening dental anxiety. Medications used in IV sedation also block and relieve pain, making it ideal for patient comfort during surgery or complex treatments.  

Provides Safe Treatment for Certain Conditions

Some conditions, like epilepsy or movement disorders, may make it challenging to stay still during treatment, causing you and your dentist stress. IV sedation can help ease stress, relax your body, and make it safe for you to receive treatment.

What to Expect When You Get IV Sedation

IV sedation is a safe and effective procedure, but it requires review and planning. You’ll go through a few preliminary steps to ensure a good fit and receive close and expert monitoring during the procedure.  

Plan and Book Your Procedures

IV sedation isn’t right for everyone, so your dentist will assess your health and the treatments you need and decide if it’s a good option. Once you’re approved, the first step is to plan and book your procedures.  

You’ll be groggy and technically intoxicated after receiving IV sedation, so you’ll need to arrange a ride home after your procedure with a trusted friend or family member. Taxis, public transit, and ride-sharing are not recommended.  

Your dentist may also ask you to fast for six to eight hours before your appointment. You may also need to come early to receive your medication.  

During the Procedure

Before receiving your IV medications, your dentist will check your oxygen, blood pressure, and heart rate and review other medications and health history. After review, you’ll receive the IV, and the procedure will start once you’re sedated. Your dentist or hygienist will monitor your vitals to help you stay comfortable and safe during treatment.  

Go Home to Rest

Once treatment is complete, your dental team will keep you in recovery and monitor your vitals until you’re awake. You’ll receive self-care instructions, especially after tooth removal, dental implants, or other significant work. Rest and recover at home for at least 24 hours.  

Follow-Up

Depending on your dental treatment, your dentist may want to see you again in the office for a follow-up. Attend all your appointments and follow self-care instructions. For minor dental work, such as a filling, your dentist may simply call and confirm you’re feeling well with no complications.  

Explore IV Sedation With a Comfort Dentist in Rapid City

IV sedation is one essential tool to help manage severe dental anxiety during dental treatment. At Loftus Dental, a local Rapid City dentist, patient comfort and care is our priority. We deliver personalized, gentle, and compassionate care to help get the dental treatment you need and deserve. Request an appointment and discover IV sedation options.

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