Dental phobia and fear are real problems for many people. They can cause stress and anxiety that keep people from scheduling their needed dental appointments. Sedation dentistry offers a way to address these concerns. It also allows patients to receive the dental care they need in a comfortable and convenient manner.
IV sedation is one form of sedation that can be used in the office to help patients feel more at ease during their treatment. Here are a few things to keep in mind about this type of sedation:
Prior to administering the drug, Orchard Park dentist reviews the patient’s complete medical history and take vital signs. The sedative is administered through the vein, and it begins to work within minutes. It is easy to adjust the dosage based on the patient’s responses. It is also quick to clear from the body.
Several different sedatives can be used. Each has a distinct onset time, peak effect, and clearance. Dentists typically avoid the use of combinations of drugs as they can be unpredictable or difficult to titrate. The most common sedative used for sedation dentistry is propofol.
Before the procedure begins, the dentist places a small tube in the venous arm or hand. This tube is used to deliver the sedative and saline solution. The dentist may also place a local anesthetic around the injection site to minimize discomfort.
A trained professional will continuously monitor the patient’s sedation level and other vital signs throughout the procedure. If they need to increase or decrease the dosage, the dentist will do so without the patient becoming aware of it.
Another important aspect of IV sedation is that the dentist can work in a controlled environment, free from patient movement and stress. This makes it easier to perform procedures and can result in a higher quality of work. It can also allow dentists to perform multiple procedures in a single session.
After the procedure is over, a patient should arrange to have someone drive them home. They should rest and recover for the remainder of the day. During recovery, patients should drink water and do not engage in strenuous activities. They should also eat only soft foods to prevent vomiting. Postoperative drowsiness and dry mouth are common side effects, but these should disappear shortly.
Using IV sedation can be a great option for a variety of dental procedures, but it’s especially helpful for complex or long treatments. For example, it can be used to help patients who need multiple dental implants placed in a single session. It can also be used to reduce strong gag reflexes that interfere with dental work or make it difficult for the dentist to reach the gum tissue. In addition, sedation can be used to perform invasive dental treatments like root canals and tooth extractions. Generally, patients who undergo IV sedation will have minimal or no memory of the procedure once it’s over. This can be a major benefit for patients who are anxious about dental treatments and have a hard time recalling past dental visits.
Orchard Park Dental
6-483 Hwy 8, Stoney Creek, ON L8G 5B9
Telephone: (905) 664-7252
https://orchardparkdental.com/
Email: info@orchardparkdental.com