Have you been curious about sedation dentistry but unsure if it’s right for you? Let’s face it. Tooth pain hurts. This pain can be unbearable, whether it is a tingling sensation caused by hot and cold food or beverages or a pulsing pain shooting through your gums.
Comfortable, Relaxing Dental Care Does Exist
Despite how uncomfortable and all-consuming tooth pain can be, many adults still put off dental care and their dental problems. The reasons are often fear of further pain or procrastination because they believe the experience will be uncomfortable. Fixing the problem, they worry, will be more excruciating than enduring the pain they already experience.
According to the American Dental Association, 22 percent of people don’t visit the dentist because they are afraid. People’s fear may be due to bad past experiences at dental offices. It could also be because of horror stories friends or family have recounted after having had bad experiences at the dentist in the past.
Dr. McOmber and Dr. Gluck understand the anxieties people have. That’s why they offer options to prioritize patient comfort. One such option is IV sedation.
What Is IV Sedation?
Many people may fear the dentist because of their experience with novocaine injections. Dentists have used this method for many years to numb a particular area of the mouth. Novocaine is typically administered using a needle. While the effect of novocaine works quickly, one drawback is it can hurt when the needle is pressed into the gums. Also, patients may worry that it could potentially wear off during the dental procedure, causing them to need more novocaine and another injection in the mouth.
Unlike novocaine, IV sedation is administered directly into the veins. McOmber Dental has an in-office anesthesiologist, Dr. Nguyen, who is present for all IV sedations, monitoring the patient to ensure optimal safety. With over 15 years of experience in IV sedation exclusively for dental patients, Dr Nguyen pays close attention to the airway while dental work is being done in the mouth.
Are You Awake During IV Sedation?
IV sedation is sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry” for a reason. Under IV sedation, you are completely asleep during the procedure and have no pain or awareness of the procedure. This is similar to the level of sedation that you would receive if you were undergoing an outpatient surgical procedure at a surgical center or hospital. As an anesthesiologist, Dr. Nguyen offers deeper levels of IV sedation than a dentist’s office typically offers.
Why Choose IV Sedation?
Patients who do not like the numbing procedure of novocaine or are anxious about dental procedures can choose to skip all of those steps and wake up with all of their dental work completed. It’s a good option when extensive dental work is needed, where patients may get restless during lengthy procedures. IV sedation allows the patient to relax so the dentists can do their best work. Some procedures where IV sedation is commonly used include:
- Wisdom tooth extraction
- Dental implants
- Reconstructive procedures
- Cosmetic dental procedures
- To restore dental health when a patient has avoided dental care for many years
Since the sedative goes directly into the bloodstream, it works much quicker than oral sedatives or inhaled sedatives like nitrous oxide. IV sedation also eliminates the gag effect that may be more common in some patients than others. This sedation not only allows for patients to be comfortable but also allows dental professionals to work quickly and effectively to complete procedures.
In a short time, patients will recover and return to their daily routines. The only drawback is that someone must accompany you during this procedure and drive you home. This is because, although you will wake up in approximately 20 minutes, you may feel drowsy for up to six hours, so you should not drive or operate machinery during that time frame.
Schedule A Consultation
If you need a dental procedure performed that requires IV sedation, keep in mind that it is a safe, comfortable and popular option. Dr. McOmber and Dr. Gluck will be happy to discuss the details of this type of anesthesia and other options to help you decide which is best for you. Call today to schedule a consultation at McOmber Dental and learn more about IV sedation in their Monmouth County, NJ office.