IV Sedation Allows for Safe and Comfortable Dental Care
Most people would not say that they look forward to going to the dentist. However, many can get through even more extensive dental treatments just fine with a little reassurance from the dentist and any necessary local anesthetic. But for some, even setting up a dental appointment brings about a deep-seated anxiety. This fear prevents numerous people from getting dental care that is critical to the health and strength of their smile. To make dental care more comfortable for patients with severe anxiety, Dr. Jose Valenzuela, Jr., offers sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry puts a patient into a state of deep relaxation so that they can undergo important dental treatments without feeling stress or pain. Thanks to IV sedation, our Los Algodondes, Baja California, Mexico, patients can greatly improve their oral health while feeling safe and comfortable.
Candidates
IV sedation has made it possible for many dental patients to receive care that is vital to their oral health. As long as a patient is deemed healthy enough to undergo anesthesia without any increased risks of complications, they should be ideal candidates for IV sedation. IV sedation can ease the fears of any patient who experiences severe dental anxiety, those who have a serious gag reflex, or those who have a low tolerance for pain. While IV sedation can be used for virtually any dental treatment, it is most commonly offered to patients who require oral surgery or extensive dental care, including those receiving:
- Dental implants
- Full mouth reconstruction
- Smile makeover
- Periodontal therapy
The Procedure
It is understandable that the thought of IV sedation can be a little scary for someone who already suffers from dental anxiety. Dr. Valenzuela works alongside specialized anesthesiologists to ensure that every IV sedation procedure is safe and effective. The anesthesia team will administer the medication and stay with the patient throughout the procedure to ensure that they remain comfortable for the duration of their treatment. IV sedation is administered through a small needle. We will apply a topical anesthetic to the skin before inserting the needle so that the entire procedure is pain-free. The anesthesiologists we work with are highly skilled and experienced. Patients are able to reach a state of relaxation within seconds and often wake from the procedure with little to no memory of their treatment.
Benefits
There are numerous benefits of IV sedation that make this a great option for patients with dental anxiety. Some of the most notable advantages of IV sedation include:
- IV sedation takes effect faster than other forms of sedation, providing relief in seconds
- The level of IV sedation can be monitored and adjusted throughout treatment
- IV sedation has an amnesia effect so the patient often has no memory of treatment
- Patients wake from IV sedation quickly and with minimal side effects
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has neglected important dental care because of dental anxiety, it is time to look into sedation dentistry. Contact us at your earliest convenience to learn more about IV sedation and find out if you are an ideal candidate for this procedure. We look forward to hearing from you!