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Sedation dentistry, also known as “sleep dentistry,” is a dental process where specific medication is injected into the patient’s bloodstream through an intravenous mechanism. With this procedure, patients are awake except for those under general anesthesia. IV sedation dentistry in Reno is perfect for those with severe dental anxiety because the sedative will calm them down.  

An estimated 15% of the population avoids dental care due to acute anxiety, while 60% have dental fear and apprehension. Thus, this method is for people facing such fear, so they may have an equal chance to maintain their overall oral health.  

What are the Benefits of IV Sedation?

IV Sedation is a safe method of conducting dental care and treatment, although not all dentists are specially trained to perform this. Thankfully, our dentists from Smile Design Implant Center have undergone intensive training and further studies to be authorized to provide IV sedation.  

This type of dentistry works as a form of conscious sedation to help you feel relaxed during your appointment. Patients enjoy substantial benefits when they undergo IV sedation dentistry.

• Helps with Severe Dental Anxiety

One of the leading causes of poor oral health is credited to the fact that people are afraid to visit their dentist. They think the procedures are a little too intrusive and uncomfortable, let alone painful. While it’s true that you may experience some discomfort after the procedure. IV sedation allows for a pain-free treatment.

• Helps with Sensitive Gag Reflexes

Gagging can be due to a physical stimulus (somatogenic) or a mental trigger (psychogenic). Most of the time, both reasons go together. While a patient may gag because of dental equipment inspecting the mouth, the sight, sound, smell, or even the thought of such a situation may trigger the reflex.  

This makes a dental treatment exceptionally harder. Thus, dentists suggest for IV sedation to calm the patient down.  

• Patient Experiences Less Discomfort After the Procedure

To some people, dental treatments can feel terrible while they're happening. You may have to open your mouth for long periods. Some processes can be irritating. The discomfort may extend until after the treatment is done. But, since IV sedation eliminates your body’s ability to feel pain, it’s more likely you will feel less discomfort after the procedure – all this while we bring back your beautiful smile.

• Patient Forgets Most or All of the Procedure  

The sedative administered into your bloodstream will make you feel sleepy, depending on the degree of sedation you need. This is decided upon by the level of anxiety you have and the type of dental procedure you need to undergo.  

A patient with lower anxiety levels scheduled for a longer dental treatment will receive mild to moderate sedation. For mild and moderate sedation, you will be awake but in a deep state of relaxation. Deep sedation, on the other hand, will make you feel between conscious and unconscious during the treatment. This, in turn, lets you forget most or all of the procedure.

• Eliminates the Feeling of Your Personal Space Being Invaded

Since you are in a deep state of relaxation, you won’t feel that your personal space is being invaded. Some people are quite sensitive with their personal spaces, of which any foreign object or person that tries to invade it can be an enemy.

• Lessens the Instances of Dental Visits

Some dental treatments fail to finish because of the patient’s anxiety. When anxiety attacks, your dentist may have to stop the procedure, obliging you to visit the clinic again. With IV sedation dentistry, even a complex operation that requires long hours of work may be completed in a single visit because there’s nothing that stops it.  

• There is a Higher Level of Safety

Because the patient is awake and may show signs of discomfort or any serious problems, the dentist and anesthesiologist will know right away if something is wrong. However, deep sedation may suppress the respiratory drive, so the presence of authorized personnel is crucial to note important details.

Why Do Some Patients Choose IV Sedation Dentistry?

Many are candidates for IV sedation dentistry, but it’s more common to people with specific issues. There are a variety of reasons why people opt to have IV sedation dentistry.  

·      They have mild to severe anxiety with daily situations, including dental visits and treatments.

·      They have had a bad experience with dental treatments in the past, that the thought of it alone scares them now.

·      They have a smaller mouth than other people, which makes it difficult for the dentist to reach the inner areas.

·      They have sensitive oral nerves.

·      They have a specific phobia with dentists and dental procedures.

·      They have a phobia of needles.

·      They have difficulty getting numb.  

What Should I Do Before a Procedure with IV Sedation?

Before the procedure, you should inform your doctor about any allergies that you have. You must also discuss the medications you're taking, if any. If you've undergone an operation before, you should inform them of the type of anesthesia used.

Most importantly, avoid drinking alcohol before your operation.

What Should I Do After a Procedure with IV Sedation?

Since the effect of IV sedation may not wear off right away, it’s best to have a companion to drive you home. Dentists don’t suggest you go home on your own after the procedure as this may lead to accidents or unwanted injury.

How Much Does IV Sedation Cost?

The cost for IV sedation may vary from one clinic to the other. It’s best to ask your dentist about it when you’re considering this option for your next dental treatment.

Get the Best IV Sedation Dentistry in Reno

We believe dental anxiety should not stop anyone from having good oral health. We owe our patients state-of-the-art technology and methods to maintain their overall oral health. While we understand the risk IV sedation dentistry entails, we are knowledgeable and experienced in the field. Thus, you can put your safety in our expert hands. Contact our friendly team today!