If you fear going to the dentist, you’re not alone. One study in the Journal of the American Dental Associate estimates that up to 75 percent of Americans have dental anxiety. In addition, other research indicates that up to 20 percent have dental phobia, a much deeper, excessive, and irrational fear of being in the dentist’s chair. But there’s hope! You may have heard that some dentists can offer sedation methods, including nitrous oxide, oral sedatives, and intravenous (IV) sedatives. Although each has its own advantages and disadvantages, one can completely address severe dental anxiety and phobia: IV sedation. Learn more about this type from your IV sedation dentist in Corbin.
IV Sedation
Administered directly into your bloodstream, IV sedation affects you quickly, which can be particularly useful for those who need help calming fears. Although general anesthetics put you completely under, IV sedatives induce what is known as “twilight sleep.” This state means that you’re not really unconscious, but you are much less aware of your surroundings and deeply relaxed. As a result, you will have little or no memory of the appointment afterward. Although this type doesn’t cause sleep, you may feel sleepy or fall asleep on your own.
Compared to the other methods of sedation, IV sedation can require more preparation for the appointment in advance. You may need to fast for several hours before the appointment or avoid taking certain medications the day before. Be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions to ensure that the sedatives work properly for your appointment.
Benefits of IV Sedation
The main advantage to any method of sedation is that it relieves you of feelings of anxiety and fear. But IV sedation specifically has a few benefits, including the following:
- Fast results. Because it is delivered into your bloodstream immediately, it doesn’t take long for you to feel the effects of the sedative.
- Deeper relaxation. Fear runs deep, but IV drugs can reach even deeper, ensuring that you can have peace of mind about your dental treatment.
- No memories. With nitrous oxide and oral sedation, you are aware of what’s going on around you and can remember at least some details about the appointment, but IV sedation leaves little or no memory of the treatment at all.
Candidacy for IV Sedation
Other than experiencing severe dental anxiety or phobia, you may be a good candidate for IV sedation if you have especially sensitive oral nerves, a small mouth that becomes sore during dental work, resistance to local anesthetics, or general anxiety disorder. However, if you have a serious fear of needles, IV sedation may not be the best option for you. The only way to know for sure is to talk to your sedation dentist in Corbin.
In the end, you don’t have to avoid the dentist out of fear. If you do, you could experience worse pain or need more intensive dental treatment in the future. Although you won’t be completely asleep, IV sedation is an effective way you can get access to the care you need. Find out if your dentist provides IV or other forms of sedation in their dental practice so that you can get on the road to oral health today.
About the Author
Dr. Katherine Whitaker graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. At Corbin Family Dental Care, she is the only dentist certified in IV sedation in a forty-mile radius, meeting a desperate need for patients in the area. She is also certified in advanced cardiac life support and laser dentistry. To make an appointment with her, you can call or click here.