IV sedation is a technique used by anesthesiologists to keep patients comfortably sedated through an entire appointment.
What is IV Sedation?
IV sedation is a form of conscious sedation where an anesthesiologist uses an IV line in your arm or hand to administer the sedative drugs. Dental Associates of Delaware use the services of Board Certified Anesthesiologists from Mobile Anesthesia Service Concepts, LLC.
What is Conscious Sedation?
Conscious sedation is modern dentistry that lets even the most high fear patient have a relaxing and comfortable dental visit. Since the patient is comfortable, your dentist is able to accomplish the work of several appointments in just one. There are a number of conscious sedation techniques, but they all have certain things in common. While the goal of general anesthesia is for the patient to sleep, in dentistry it is much more common to use conscious sedation, where the patient is sedated and comfortable, yet still awake. The sedation feels so relaxing and peaceful that the patient doesn’t even notice the passing of time. Many of the medications used in conscious sedation have an amnesiac effect as well, leaving patients with little or no memory of their dental appointment, and further adding to the feeling that the patient was asleep.
Is IV Sedation for me?
IV sedation is wonderful and incredibly effective for most healthy adults. For many, it is the answer they have been looking for all their life. Discuss sedation with your dentist at Dental Associates of Delaware if any of the following sound like you:
You are uncomfortable in a dentists’ office
You are too scared to even call the dentist and make an appointment
You can’t stand the smell and sounds of a dentist office
You are delaying treatment you know you need
You are in pain when you eat, but too anxious about the dentist to take care of it
You have trouble getting numb – the anesthetic doesn’t seem to work on you
You are afraid to smile
You are concerned about how many dental appointments you know you’ll need
You are looking for a way to have the work of several appointments done in just one or two
You remember bad experiences with a dentist in your past
You need your wisdom teeth removed
You have sensitive teeth
You have a strong gag reflex, especially when the dentist is working in your mouth
You have trouble with jaw soreness when you have to keep your mouth open
You have back or neck pain when you sit in a dental chair
What can I expect from IV Sedation?
There are many different medications and sedation techniques, so it is best to get specifics from your dentist at Dental Associates of Delaware. Since you will be receiving sedative medication, you will need a companion to drive you to the appointment. The anesthesiologist will begin by monitoring your vital signs, including heart rate and blood pressure, to make sure that you stay completely safe through the procedure. The dentistry will all be performed while you are relaxed and totally comfortable. When it is safe for you to travel, your companion will take you home, and then you will rest comfortably for the rest of the day.
Is IV Sedation Safe?
IV sedation is very safe as well as effective. Your vital signs will be constantly monitored from the moment you arrive at the office through the appointment, and until we are certain you are ready to leave. In fact, our dentists at Dental Associates of Delaware and the whole dental team along with the Board Certified Anesthesiologist are highly trained in safety and emergency procedures, making our dental office one of the safest places you can be! Contact our Brandywine office or Hockessin office to make an appointment to get more information.