For many patients, maintaining a healthy mouth and smile is sometimes challenging and may require more than one dental visit. Hesitation in scheduling these appointments, however, is all too common and may be due to dental anxiety or other issues. Fortunately, today many dental offices offer patients options to help increase comfortability during exams and procedures, and IV sedation is one of those options.
If you’ve never undergone IV sedation before, here’s how it works. You are given medication intravenously to calm and relax you as your dentist works inside your mouth. It is safe and effective, and before you know it, you’re finished. A truly beneficial thing about IV sedation is that it allows more patients to obtain all the care needed before dental issues can become worse.
5 Reasons IV Sedation is for You
IV sedation is not for everyone, but it is often available should you need it for a dental exam or procedure. To help, here are 5 reasons that IV sedation may be an option for you.
1. You Suffer Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety is real and affects thousands of patients each year. You may suffer with it just at the thought of making an appointment or begin sweating the moment you approach the front door of a dental office. How ever this anxiety affects you, let your dentist know and be open to discussing the use of IV sedation during your next procedure.
If you find it is the right option for you, prior to your exam or treatment, your dentist will administer the IV sedation and ensure you are relaxing or sleeping before beginning.
Dental anxiety can occur for a number of reasons, such as negative past dental experiences, an apprehension of needles, being uncomfortable with drilling and other sounds used in a dental office, or others.
Signs you suffer from dental anxiety may arise at any time and can include:
- Heart palpitations or a racing heartbeat
- Sweating
- A feeling of distress or approaching panic
2. You Experience a Gag Reflex
Dental exams and procedures require the use of various tools inside your mouth, and this can be uncomfortable and stressful at times. It can also cause a gag reflex. While this reflex is completely normal, you may be more sensitive to it, and a gagging reaction may occur even with the simplest of touch at the back of the mouth.
Not only will that constant gag reflex make you feel uncomfortable, but it can also slow the treatment process down as well, requiring you to stay in the dentist’s chair even longer. IV sedation can help by relaxing you and minimizing the gag reflex.
3. You Are Scheduled for a Long Dental Procedure(s)
Many dental procedures can take longer times to complete, and sitting in the dentist’s chair can be uncomfortable for some patients. Long procedures can also lead to anxiety and impatience, causing you to become fidgety and interfere with the process.
At times you may also decide to have several procedures done in one appointment. While this can be somewhat intimidating and stressful, you’ll limit the number of times you have to come back, which helps those who have busy schedules or dread the thought of more dental visits.
IV sedation can help you get through either of these times, keeping you comfortable throughout the procedure(s) and ensuring your dental health stays up to date.
4. You are Extremely Sensitive to Pain
Some patients can handle pain easily, and others are extremely sensitive to it. If you have a difficult time with pain, talk with your dentist about whether you are a good candidate for IV sedation during a dental procedure.
Under sedation, you will remain unaware of the actions going on around you and in your mouth. Your perception of pain decreases, and you can relax and stay calm.
Also, patients with sensitive teeth and gums sometimes experience extreme discomfort, even during cleanings and exams. As a result, you may be apprehensive before you even arrive at the dentist’s office. IV sedation can help with this as well.
5. You Find it Difficult to Sit Still for Short or Long Periods of Time
Many patients find it difficult to sit comfortably in the dentist’s chair for short or long appointments, and this can interfere with the motivation to maintain good dental health. In addition, those with physical or mental disabilities may be unable to sit still at all. Both types of patients can potentially benefit from IV sedation. The sedation relaxes the body and mind and acts quickly so your dentist can get to work immediately.
The best way to determine if IV sedation is for you is to discuss it with your dentist. Understanding that it is a safe option administered and monitored by dental professionals, you can continue to address any oral health issues as they come up and avoid more serious problems later.
Find Out if IV Sedation is Right for You by Contacting Linworth Family Dental Today
Feeling nervous about undergoing a dental procedure or worrying that one will take too long shouldn’t keep you from achieving good oral health. Linworth Family Dental offers our patients IV sedation to ease concerns and make visits more comfortable and less anxiety-inducing. To find out more and whether IV sedation is for you, contact our office and schedule a consultation today.