Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Oral and Intravenous Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is a great way to help patients overcome their fear of seeking out the dental treatments they often desperately need. Sedation can help a patient become calm and relaxed before any kind of dental work is done by reducing the natural instinct to tense muscles under stress. Dental anesthetics help to foster a mindset where concerns and discomforts vanish. After sedation dentistry, post-operative medications are also prescribed that are appropriate to the treatment performed and to the individual.

If you have any of the following anxieties or concerns, sedation dentistry is most likely right for you:

You have excess fears about dental appointments
You have difficulty achieving sufficient numbness
You have a strong gag reflex
You have highly sensitive teeth
You dislike the noises and smells associated with the dental office
You hate needles and shots
You have complex dental problems that will otherwise take several visits to complete
You wish to have a comprehensive smile redesign

You may be one of those people that only needs oral anesthetic. If so, take the medication you are prescribed as prescribed, and get a ride to the dentist from a friend, coworker, or relative.

If you need I.V. sedation dentistry, you will also need to arrange for transportation, and the anesthesia will be administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist.

What you need to know about oral sedation dentistry:
When you arrive at the office, you will take the medication prescribed prior to treatment. It will make you feel relaxed and comfortable. Our professionals will keep you under close observation at all times, constantly monitoring your vitals. You should achieve a state of consciousness where you feel no pain but can still respond to your dentist as he or she performs the necessary dental procedures.

What you need to know about Intravenous Sedation Dentistry:
You may, however, need something more than just an oral tranquilizer that numbs mouth tissue. If you have an aversion to dental procedures, period, we often recommend that you consider IV sedation, especially if you are having dental surgery performed or if several procedures need to be performed in a single visit that would otherwise require multiple trips to the office.

Seeing how this is technically an outpatient IV operation, the sedation is administered and monitored by a board-certified anesthesiologist. This does not require putting you under general anesthesia. You reflexes continue to work, and the patient controls his or her breathing. While you are semi-conscious, the anesthesiologist ensures that enough sedation is administered to your calm anxiety and to eliminate your discomfort. Professionals on staff will monitor vital signs with a pulse oximeter, an EKG monitor, and supplemental oxygen.

Post operative instructions will then be given to them. Follow them as directed, and all will be well.

For more information, read the following articles posted on our main website:
Sedation Dentistry
After Sedation Dentistry Tips
Things to Know Before Sedation Dentistry
Intravenous Sedation Information
IV Sedation Information
Post-IV Sedation Orders

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