SEDATION DENTISTRY
MODERN DENTISTRY & PATIENT TREATMENT
Does the thought of visiting the dentist paralyse you with fear? Are you struggling to find help with your phobia? Sedation dentistry could be what you’ve been looking for. With many people who have not visited the dentist in years and some since childhood, many of us are unaware that modern dentistry has welcomed many new revolutionary procedures as well as a change in dental health care. These include awareness and management of patient’s fears, pain-free procedures, and sedation dentistry. Here we explore what sedative dentistry is, and the most frequently asked questions about this procedure.
Are you afraid or scared of the dentist? Want to know how to overcome your fears? Read more.
WHAT IS IV SEDATION
Intravenous/ IV sedation uses a type of medication which can be used to ease patients fears and anxiety. IV sedation will allow a dentist to be able to carry out treatments as well as procedures in a relaxed and calm environment.
I V Sedation dentistry uses an anti- anxiety drug where you feel total relaxation. You are not asleep, however, you are in a ‘twilight’ state, somewhere in between sleep and consciousness. Many patients do not remember the procedure, and this is why sedative dentistry is also referred to as ‘sleep dentistry’.
Are you ready for change? Book in a consultation for information on I V sedation.
DO I NEED TO PREPARE FOR
IV SEDATION?
As I V sedation is catered to individual needs, your dentist will be able to advise you on any preparation you may need. You will, however, in every case, need the entire day free for rest and recovery as well as being accompanied by a friend or family member.
Looking for a great dentist who understands anxiety and phobias? Look no further, contact the Brighton Implant Clinic.
WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE? WILL I BE ASLEEP?
When you are under I V sedation you are conscious as well as able to understand and respond to requests. It is a state of deep relaxation, which enables you to put your mind at ease or in a state of twilight between consciousness and sleep.
I V sedation also relieves the physical symptoms of anxiety such as heart palpitations, hyperventilation, dizziness, chest pain and more.
During the procedure, you will also have a ‘pulse oximeter’, which is usually clipped onto your finger or earlobe. This is just to measure your blood pressure, pulse and oxygen levels during the procedure.
HOW WILL IT BE ADMINISTERED?
Intravenous simply means through a vein. I V sedation is simply administered through a vein, usually in the back of your hand but sometimes it will be administered through a vein in your arm.
ADVANTAGES
Relieves Symptoms
I V sedation allows those with a phobia to be able to have a dentistry treatment, by relieving symptoms of fear and anxiety.
What you don’t know, can’t hurt you
As this type of sedation causes amnesia, it enables you to forget what you don’t what to know.
Individual
I V sedation is tailored to meet individual needs; this enables this type of sedation to be highly reliable as well as effective.
Diminishes Reflexes
I V sedation diminishes the gag reflex for those who have a problem with this during a dental procedure.
Affective
I V sedation can create a deeper sedation than oral or inhalation sedation.
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Quick Recovery
It allows the patient to fall under a deep sedation without losing consciousness, allowing a quicker recovery time.
DISADVANTAGES
Amnesia
Although many may find this a blessing, some people may find this uncomfortable as they do not like the thought of not being able to remember what has happened during their procedure.
Short procedures
Usually, I V sedation is only used in shorter procedures (2-3 hours). Longer procedures may require additional sedative drugs (which can only be administered by an anaesthetist ).
Availability
You must be accompanied by a friend or family member and must have the entire day free.
Risks can include:
Oversedation can lead to depressed respiration during the procedure.
Nausea & Vomiting.
Irritation to the veins.
Allergic reaction.
*Please note, that you will not be able to have I V sedative treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.*
Do you want to find out if I.V sedation is right for you?
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOLLOWING SEDATION
1. NO DRIVING
After your treatment, you may still feel a bit lethargic, therefore it is paramount that a friend or family member takes you home.
2. NO STRENUOUS EXCERCISE
You will not be able to perform any strenuous exercise or hazardous activities and it is best that you rest the remainder of the day.
3. NO ALCOHOL
It is advisable to not drink alcohol for at least 24 hours after treatment.
4. DRINK FLUIDS
Do not eat a heavy meal immediately after sedation, however, you should drink fluids.
5. REST
If you are experiencing nausea, try to lie down and rest as well as drink fluids high in sugar.
6. MEDICATION
Do not take any additional medication unless it has been prescribed or advised by your dentist.
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