Sedation Dentistry Columbus OH
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Benefits of IV Sedation Dentistry
Unlike a local anesthetic, IV sedation offers a higher level of sedation, and can eliminate stress or anxiety associated with dental treatments. This type of sedation:
- Works immediately after it is administered intravenously
- Can consolidate major procedures from multiple appointments down to one or two
- Will be tailored to each patient’s individual needs
- Allow patients to forget the procedure entirely
- Suppresses the gag reflex, so the dental treatment can be completed quickly
- Allows patients with sensitivities to relax and not feel pain or pressure
- Provides a shorter recovery time
If you are a patient who stresses over the thought of having any form of dental procedure done, perhaps IV sedation is the best choice for you. A licensed professional will always carefully administer the exact amount needed for each treatment. Each patient will remain in an incredibly relaxed but conscious state during the entire procedure, able to respond if the periodontist asks them to change position, spit, or answer a question about their comfort.
IV Sedation Process
During IV sedation, medication is administered through an IV by a professional who can adjust the level of IV sedation needed for the specific procedure. This medication can be administered either heavily for lengthy procedures and lightly for short and less complicated treatments. The amount of sedation used is determined by the individual patient’s height, weight, and level of anxiety to ensure their dental experience is safe and relaxing.
The IV sedation runs directly into the patient’s vein, either in the bend in the patient’s arm or on top of the hand, which allows the medicine to work very quickly. A tiny needle is used, and most patients describe insertion as only a small momentary prick. The patient will remain semi-awake, which can allow a dialogue between the specialist and patient during the treatment. Our patients feel fully relaxed during IV sedated procedures.
As your body begins to lose feeling, you enter a state that is commonly described as “sleep dentistry” or “twilight sleep.” While you won’t be put into a deep sleep, you will be able to fully relax for a long period of time. You will be able to speak during the procedure as well if there is a need for communicating.
IV Sedation will be administered for exactly the amount of time needed for the procedure to be complete, then the IV will be removed and you will be allowed to recover for a short period of time before being driven home by a companion.
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IV Sedation vs. General Anesthesia
Opting for IV sedation over a local or general anesthetic can have many positives. General anesthesia is typically administered in the form of a gas that is inhaled by the patient. This form of anesthesia will almost always put the patients completely to sleep and keep them unconscious throughout the procedure.
This form of anesthesia depresses the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, meaning it is reserved for the most invasive surgeries. In some complex oral surgeries that involve the jawbone in any form (such as implantology), a general anesthesia may be the preferred option.
If a patient is in need of a wisdom tooth removal, but the teeth are impacted below gums and bone, we consider this a more complicated procedure. It will likely be recommended for the patient to be under a general anesthesia as opposed to an IV sedation in this case. We also occasionally see a patient with high tolerance to IV sedation medications, for whom general anesthesia is the only option.
After IV Sedation
Although the immediate effects of IV sedation will fade away after the procedure is finished, you may still feel lightly sedated afterward. It is highly recommended for patients to bring a trusted friend or family member to drive them home after the procedure.
Ask Us About Sedation Dentistry
If you are interested in knowing more about sedation dentistry at Stoner Periodontic Specialists, give us a call. One of our team members will answer your questions and can schedule you for an evaluation. We want to be sure you are completely relaxed and content during your procedure, and IV sedation can make a huge difference to your comfort and state of mind.