Opting for Intravenous (IV) Sedation

Ordinary cleaning procedures frighten many people and many more are terrified of more involved treatments such as root canals and fillings. Because they are afraid, they neglect their dental health. Many people don’t realize that oral health is irrevocably linked with a person’s overall wellness, and if they paid more attention to taking care of their teeth, they would have better overall health. While dental cleanings, etc., are not pleasant experiences they can reduce overall health risks and more potentially serious pain.

Anxious and fearful patients have several options to choose from with sedation dentistry provided by most Denver dentists and dental specialists. The most effective sedation method is with intravenous drugs which can put a patient into a light sleep. With IV sedation, patients remain conscious, but will not be aware of the treatment going on inside their mouth. Once the sedatives have taken effect, a local anaesthetic will be injected into the treatment area.

The dentist controls the level of the IV sedative and can give the patient a little more if required. An hour-long procedure can actually seem like a few minutes to a patient under IV sedation.

Not all patients can choose IV sedation, however; those who are pregnant, of advanced age, who have allergies to certain sedatives, or who have lung, kidney or liver conditions will not be permitted to use this method.

For those who choose IV sedation the dental experience is remembered as a relaxed time, without pain or panic.

IV sedation presents a great treatment alternative for those who suffer anxiety or fear at the thought of even the simplest of dental appointments. Anxiety and fear of pain while visiting the dentist is a very common feeling, but in some cases it is so overwhelming that patients put off having necessary dental treatment done, which can lead to other medical and dental problems that require more extensive treatment later.

Patients should talk to their Denver dentist about whether or not sedation dentistry is right for them. Many people have discovered that, through the use of IV sedation, they need no longer be afraid of dental treatment.