IV Sedation
Spokane, WA
 Many people don’t like going to the dentist, but everyone needs to do it. But what is an inconvenience for most people turns into a panic attack for those with dental anxiety. Studies show that as many as 15% of the American population experiences overwhelming fear and anxiety during dental exams and cleanings.
The good news is that Dynamic Dental Care offers IV sedation dentistry for patients who have trouble relaxing during appointments. These sedatives help you feel more comfortable for the duration of the visit.
We’ll discuss IV sedation with you and go over your medical history to make sure that it’s the right choice for you. There are other sedation options available. The type of procedure you’re having, and your anxiety levels will determine which kind we’ll use.
What is IV Sedation Dentistry and How Does it Work?
IV sedation is also called conscious sedation, and as the name implies, it will not make you completely unconscious. But it will make you more unaware of your surroundings during the procedure. This form of sedation has a long duration of amnesia, so you won’t remember what took place during the procedure.
Unlike other forms of sedation which are swallowed in the form of a pill or inhaled, IV sedation is given through one of your veins. The sedative works swiftly and Dr. Huish can easily alter the dosage.
Preparing for Sedation
Prior to receiving the sedative, you will need to adjust your lifestyle a bit. Please abstain from all food and drink for eight hours before the procedure. You may also have to stop taking certain medication as well. Dr. Huish will provide more specifics given your individual condition and prescribed treatment.
After the procedure, Dr. Huish may prescribe medication for you. Pay attention to the instructions given, for their proper use. Make sure you arrange in advance for a friend or family member to drop you off and pick you up from our office before the procedure. You should also avoid scheduling anything else later in the day of the procedure. It is important for you to get your rest.
The IV Sedation Procedure
After the IV sedation is administered, you will become less aware of what is going on around you, but you won’t fall asleep. Most patients can respond to simple commands or react when touched when they are in this state. You will have the ability to breathe on your own and won’t need to have your heart rate monitored.
If Dr. Huish is filling a cavity or performing another procedure that requires a local anesthetic, we will apply the anesthetic once the sedative takes effect.
Candidacy for IV Sedation
Certain individuals have strong reactions to sedation. People who are older or who have other health concerns are at a higher risk for side effects. In such cases, we often apply a reduced dosage of sedation to keep any potential risks at a minimum. However, for some, sedation simply is not a good option. Dr. Huish is the one to make the call.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please give us a call at (509) 466-2587. |
