Few people truly love going to the dentist, and while some patients are indifferent to drills and needles, many others are gripped with intense fear at the mere thought of sitting through an appointment. Dental phobias are prevalent in the United States. Over 20 percent of Americans avoid seeking dental treatment due to feelings of apprehension and anxiety.
No matter the reason, avoiding dental visits is never a good idea. In the absence of regular cleanings and check-ups, gum disease can worsen, infections can grow deeper– prompting an even greater need for complex and invasive treatment.
Advances in dental anesthesia enable phobic patients to get the care and treatment they need, without the typical stress. Whether you need a tooth extraction or a lengthier surgical procedure, talk to your dentist about intravenous sedation, offered here at Innovative Implant and Oral Surgery.
Who can benefit from IV anesthesia?
Intravenous (IV) sedation is also known as ‘twilight sedation’ for a good reason. Patients are deeply relaxed, unable to feel pain, yet still responsive enough to answer questions as needed throughout the procedure. The sedative, administered through the vein, helps relieve anxiety and induces a feeling of calm.
Many patients qualify for IV sedation in a dental setting, and those who benefit most are those with severe anxiety and also those who need multiple procedures done in one sitting. Intravenous anesthesia diminishes your body’s ability to sense pain, which is why this technique is so common for wisdom tooth removal.
Unlike general anesthesia, wisdom teeth anesthesia with IV sedation does not put you “to sleep.” There are no lingering effects, and once the surgery is completed, you will have minimal recollection of what happened.
Wisdom teeth removal anesthesia
IV sedation for wisdom teeth removal is extremely safe, and one of the more common modalities for dental patients who have trouble sitting still for lengthy procedures or have strong gag reflexes.
IV sedatives take effect in a couple of minutes, delivering the calm, relaxed state that panicked and anxious patients need. Compared to general anesthesia, twilight sedation for wisdom teeth extraction and other dental procedures offers the following advantages:
- Reduced incidence of side effects such as nausea and/or vomiting
- Lower risk of complications
- Minimal recovery period afterward
- Less expensive
- Breathing tubes are not required
- The patient remains responsive enough to follow simple instructions
Sedation with IV medicine is designed to ensure patient comfort and safety, with no grogginess or hangover effects. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a combination of dental anesthesia techniques. Talk to Innovative Implant and Oral Surgery about wisdom teeth removal anesthesia options available, and which is right for you.
Are you a good candidate for IV sedation?
Whether it’s a implants, or wisdom teeth removal, you don’t always need general anesthesia for dental work. Learn more about IV sedation at Innovative Implant and Oral Surgery. Call to schedule a free consultation at our Feasterville or Newtown, PA offices.
Additional Resources:
- Healthline, What You Need to Know About Dental Anesthesia https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dental-anesthesia
- Healthline, What Is Conscious Sedation? https://www.healthline.com/health/conscious-sedation