If you’d rather be anywhere else in the world than the dentist’s office, you aren’t alone! Many people these days absolutely dread going to the dentist, even to the point that they prolong or put off treatment entirely! However, sedation dentistry is able to offer a solution for these circumstances: options like IV sedation exist that are easily capable of helping patients receive necessary dental care. Keep reading to learn about three signs that might mean you’d benefit from this innovative treatment!
What Is IV Sedation?
Sedation dentistry includes treatments that are designed to make dental treatments easier for anxious patients, or patients with complications that make regular dental care difficult to perform. IV sedation is a specific treatment within this category.
This method does not put you fully to sleep, but rather, it makes you far less aware of your surroundings, including anything the dentist might need to do to treat you. An IV is used to administer a sedative directly into your bloodstream. You’ll still be able to respond to verbal or physical stimuli, and you shouldn’t need any help breathing. Your vitals will also be monitored throughout the visit, so if any issue does arise (which is unlikely to begin with), it can quickly be resolved.
3 Signs You Might Benefit from IV Sedation
If you’re wondering if this sedation option might benefit you personally, here are three signs that usually indicate it can:
- You’re triggered by the sights, smells, or sounds of the dental office – For some people, the anxiety begins as soon as they’re seated in the dental chair and exposed to all of the stimuli of the office. Fortunately, IV sedation can help you to block out virtually all of these potential triggers.
- You have a strong gag reflex – Some patients might not necessarily feel anxious, but rather, have an easy gag reflex that can be triggered during dental work. IV sedation can relax your body to the point of not reacting this way during certain procedures.
- You’re undergoing multiple or lengthy procedures – In many cases, patients need a combination of treatments or procedures to reach their smile goals. This can lead to extended appointments and a lot of work for both you and your dentist; but with the help of IV sedation, things become much easier for all parties involved.
At the end of the day, dental-related anxiety is something that affects several people—but with treatments like IV sedation readily available, if you’re dreading the dentist, you should have nothing to worry about!
About the Author
Dr. Shue Her received his DDS from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. He now proudly serves patients and families in the Gainesville, GA area. His practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of services including sedation dentistry for those with dental-related anxiety and other needs. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit for you or someone you know, feel free to contact Dr. Her through his practice’s website or over the phone for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (770) 536-6688.