IV Sedation Dentistry Decatur, GA
If the thought of dental treatment makes you a little nervous, you're not alone. Approximately 1 in 3 people have at least some mild form of dental anxiety or phobia. Unfortunately, when you feel apprehensive about visiting the dentist, it usually results in a delay in care. Over time those simpler treatment needs can evolve into complex concerns or dental emergencies. Sedation dentistry can help.
What is IV Sedation? Should I Ask My Dentist for It?
It’s estimated that 1-in-3 dental patients in the United States experience some level of dental anxiety. But when people feel anxious or too afraid to see a dentist, it increases their risk of dental infections, emergencies, and compounds the care they need to restore their smile (increasing the cost of dentistry overall.) Thankfully, IV sedation can help ensure total relaxation and comfort regardless of the complexity of the treatment. And we offer it here at our Decatur office!
How Does IV Sedation Work?
IV sedation uses sedative medication that’s delivered through an intravenous (IV) line in your arm. A numbing cream is used beforehand to ensure your IV is placed in a comfortable manner.
IV sedation is fast-acting and makes it feel almost like you’re sleeping through the entire procedure. Since the medication is carefully controlled through the IV drip, it is extremely safe and can be cut off whenever the dental treatment is complete.
Technically, IV sedation is a type of conscious sedation. You are not completely “put under” like surgery in a hospital. However, you likely won’t remember much of anything about your appointment. It will feel more like you’re sleeping. After it starts to wear off, you’ll likely feel a little groggy. A friend or family member will need to drive you home, and you’ll probably want to keep your schedule clear for the rest of the day.
Advantages of IV Dental Sedation
• Schedule multiple treatments in one appointment
• Tune everything out that’s going on around you
• Overcome anxiety that interferes with your access to dental care
• Excellent for complex procedures like dental implants, wisdom tooth removal, or full mouth reconstruction
• Ideal for people with a sensitive gag reflex or special needs
• An amnesic effect, making you less likely to remember anything
• Excellent for patients with negative dental experiences in the past
When to Consider IV Sedation
Dr. Haider recommends IV sedation in instances where complex care, sensitive gag reflexes, or dental anxiety are interfering with a person’s access to a healthy smile. By ensuring a relaxing and safe experience, we can help stabilize a person’s oral health and complete any medically necessary procedures.
Once your smile is healthy again, it’s easier to shift back into a prevention-focused care schedule. That way, issues can be intercepted earlier or reversed before complex treatment is needed again.
If you need a procedure such as a root canal or dental implant, IV sedation allows you to put your mind at ease while Dr. Haider performs the treatment. Accessing your care in a comfortable environment ensures you won’t have to worry about additional tooth loss, infections, or feel self-conscious about the appearance of your smile.
Some people elect to have IV sedation during treatments even if they don’t have dental anxiety. Especially if multiple teeth need to be restored. It’s simply more convenient on their part.
Is IV Sedation Safe?
Absolutely. Throughout your IV sedation appointment, Dr. Haider will carefully monitor your heart rate and oxygen levels. We will also complete a thorough medical history review to ensure that the sedatives being administered will not interfere with any current prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs you’re currently taking. Please be sure to make us aware of any recent treatment, surgeries, or hospitalizations you’ve received, even if they are not dental-related.
Find Out if IV Sedation is Right for You
Dr. Haider will visit with you one-on-one to discuss your dental concerns, treatment needs, and if IV sedation is beneficial in your situation. Contact our Decatur office today to reserve a no-obligation appointment to learn more about what IV sedation can do for you.