IV Sedation Dentistry

It’s unfortunate that many people have come to associate visits to the dentist with fear, anxiety, pain and discomfort. Now, advances in dental techniques, equipment and treatment options are helping to make this association a thing of the past. Dental sedation has also played a major role in making dental procedures more comfortable for all types of patients.

IV sedation is one treatment option which helps patients to feel calm and comfortable for the duration of dental procedures.

Learn More about IV Sedation Dentistry

Other sedation options are given in the form of a pill or inhaled before beginning a dental procedure. As the name suggests, IV sedation is administered intravenously. This may sound scary, but it’s a routine procedure and most patients don’t feel any discomfort having the IV inserted. During the procedure – which can include anything from regular teeth cleaning to more extensive dental work – sedation medication is administered in the proper dosage.

One of the advantages of IV sedation is that it does not put the patient completely to sleep. In fact, this technique is also called conscious sedation. The patient is awake and responsive during the procedure, making it much safer than full anesthesia, yet it’s very effective.

With IV sedation, patients are deeply relaxed, not fully aware of their surroundings, and generally don’t remember the experience. The calming effect of the sedative takes effect almost immediately and wears off after the procedure is completed. Plus, if necessary, the dosage can be adjusted by the dentist during the procedure.

IV Sedation May Help You

Ask your dentist if you are a good candidate for IV sedation. Generally, this sedation technique is recommended for patients who:

• Require extensive or invasive dental work,
• Are extremely anxious or fearful of dental visits,
• Experience anxiety during teeth cleanings and dental procedures,
• Have had traumatic experiences with dentists in the past,
• Can be triggered by sounds and smells related to the dentist’s office,
• Have painfully sensitive teeth,
• Sense a strong gag reflex,
• Have difficulty getting numb or staying numb with local anesthesia.

Sedation Is Available at Briglia Dental

In order to administer IV sedation in their office, dentists must be well trained and fully certified in sleep dentistry. Dr. Briglia is certified in oral and IV sedation and has 16 years of experience administering these to patients. He is also an active member of the American Society for the Advancement of Anesthesia & Sedation in Dentistry and the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation.

Talk with the caring team of professionals at the Briglia Dental Group to find out if sedation is right for you.