IV Sedation in Odessa, FL
BOOK APPOINTMENT ONLINECREATING FEARLESS DENTAL VISITS WITH IV SEDATION
At Spring Haven Dental, we understand that not everyone is comfortable in visiting the dentist. In fact, with 36% of the American population suffering from dental anxiety, and a further 12% suffering from extreme dental fear, we know that many of our patients find it challenging to step into our office or even go through with booking an appointment. This is why we offer several forms of sedation dentistry, including IV sedation, which can help make your dental visits with us more comfortable, and even fearless.
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WHAT IS SEDATION DENTISTRY?
For those with dental anxiety, sedation dentistry is an option that involves administering medication to help patients relax during routine dental procedures. There are different levels or types of sedation that a patient can choose from, including local anesthetic, nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation.
Factors like the length of appointment, the type of dental procedure, your level of anxiety or fear, and any medical conditions you may have, are what determine which sedation option is best for you.
WHY CHOOSE SEDATION DENTISTRY?
There are many reasons why our patients choose IV sedation for their dental appointments. For some, it’s the thought of needles and injections that cause anxiety, while others may have the fear of being awake and aware during their treatment. IV sedation can help with both of these concerns, and many others.
The most common reasons for asking about sedation options are:
- Having a fear of needles or injections.
- Fear of being awake during the treatment.
- Having sensitive gums, or difficulty getting numb.
- In need of a large amount of dental work done in one sitting.
- Having previous dreadful experiences that trigger anxiety.
- Are uneasy around dental sounds, vibrations, odors, or tastes.
- Have a hyperactive gag reflex.
Those who are Special Needs, or those who have a medical condition that makes it difficult to remain still during treatment, may also inquire about IV sedation options.
WHAT ARE THE 4 CATEGORIES OF SEDATION DENTISTRY?
There are 4 categories of sedation that we offer here at Spring Haven Dental. These include:
- Local Anesthetic – No Sedation
- Nitrous Oxide
- Oral Sedation
- IV Sedation
LOCAL ANASTHETIC – NO SEDATION
If you have minimal anxiety around dental appointments but find that you cannot handle pain, a local anesthetic is offered to properly numb you so that you don’t feel anything during the procedure. The most common medications used for this include Novocaine and Lidocaine. It works as follows:
- We numb the gums with a topical gel to minimize the discomfort from the needle.
- If you are not okay with feeling the little pinch that comes with the injection, we can use a vibration instrument during the injection to minimize this discomfort and distract you from the needle insertion.
- Finally, the needle will be inserted and the local anesthetic applied.
NITROUS OXIDE
If you require minimal sedation, nitrous oxide or laughing gas, will be given to you through a small mask placed over the nose. You simply inhale the nitrous oxide, which will help you relax but remain awake enough to respond to questions and commands. The laughing gas wears off within a short window of time after the mask is removed. This is a fantastic option for those with mild dental anxiety.
ORAL SEDATION
If you suffer from mild to moderate dental anxiety, oral sedation can help you to feel more relaxed during your treatment. Oral sedation is taken in pill form, and the dose is determined by your weight, age, and level of anxiety.
In most cases, the pill is taken an hour before the appointment, but sometimes it’s prescribed for the night before. This type of sedation will make you drowsy, and quite relaxed, so much so, that some patients do find that they fall asleep during treatment. If you’re getting oral sedation, you will need a driver to escort you home afterwards.
IV SEDATION
If you are extremely nervous for dental appointments or have extreme dental fears, IV sedation is the option for you. While you will remain conscious and breathing on your own, many patients fall asleep during treatment with IV sedation, as the effects are similar to a “twilight sleep”.
The medication is introduced directly into the bloodstream through a small IV that is placed in your arm, and your vital signs and oxygen levels are monitored. In most cases, patients cannot recall the dental procedure, but can be “awoken” with a gentle nudge. If you’re getting IV sedation, you will need someone to escort you home.
DON’T LET DENTAL ANXIETY GET IN THE WAY OF GETTING THE DENTAL TREAMTENT YOU NEED
If dental anxiety is keeping you from getting the treatment you need, then contact us today here at Spring Haven Dental to discuss our sedation dentistry options. Whether you need nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation, we can help you feel relaxed and comfortable during your next visit. No more jitters, anxiety, or panic attacks – just a calm and fearless dental experience.
