Dental sedation is a form of medication that allows the patient to feel more relaxed and experience less discomfort during dental treatment. Intravenous dental sedation refers specifically to a sedative medication that is administered intravenously (through an IV).
There are many benefits to intravenous dental sedation. It is a stronger form of dental sedation that allows the patient to experience less pain and ease their anxiety during treatment. The following is a review of when a dentist may recommend intravenous dental sedation, rather than oral sedation or nitrous oxide.
As mentioned, intravenous dental sedation is stronger than nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedation. Therefore, it is typically used for procedures that are more extensive and invasive and could potentially cause more discomfort. This includes procedures that require an incision into the gums, such as wisdom tooth extraction and dental implant placement. Less invasive procedures, such as a deep dental cleaning, do not require intravenous dental sedation.
Patients who have dental anxiety or dental phobia may benefit more from intravenous dental sedation than oral sedation or nitrous oxide, regardless of how extensive the dental procedure is. For patients with severe dental phobia, they may still feel anxious during oral sedation or nitrous oxide, as they are more conscious and aware during treatment. With intravenous dental sedation, the patient feels sleepy and is less aware and less conscious, although they are not technically “knocked out” unless general anesthesia is administered.
If oral surgery is necessary, then intravenous dental sedation is likely necessary, especially if the oral surgery is performed by an oral surgeon and not a general dentist. This ensures that the patient does not experience much, if any, discomfort. For more invasive procedures, such as jaw surgery, general anesthesia may be used rather than the milder form of intravenous dental sedation that is known as “twilight.” Intravenous sedation during an oral surgery procedure often eases the mind of the patient before the procedure, as they know that they are not going to experience much discomfort during the procedure.
Oral sedation and nitrous oxide are recommended for less invasive procedures. However, some patients may have a preference for stronger dental sedation administered intravenously, such as patients who have dental phobia. In some instances, a dentist may allow for the use of intravenous dental sedation for less invasive procedures, such as a deep dental cleaning, if the patient is unwilling or unable to go through the procedure without intravenous dental sedation.
If you are considering dental sedation to help with pain and anxiety management, then we encourage you to call our team or send us a message today. We are glad to discuss dental sedation options with you and arrange a time for a dental check-up and consultation visit at our dental practice.
Are you considering dental sedation in the Tustin area? Get more information at http://www.jsmimplantsanddentistry.com.
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