IV Sedation for a Deeper State of Relaxation

The majority of dental patients are able to undergo general and restorative dentistry services with little more than a local anesthetic to relieve discomfort. However, for some patients, just the thought of dental care can be enough to create an overwhelming feeling of anxiety. Additionally, there are those patients who are in need of lengthy, extensive dental treatments, which may require extra precautions to ensure patient comfort. In both of these cases, sedation dentistry can ease anxiety and ensure comfort to create a safe, relaxing, and pain free dental experience. IV, or general, dental anesthesia is one sedation method offered to our Lincoln patients. Dr. Andrew R. Glenn can administer IV sedation to create a pleasant and worry-free dental appointment for patients.

Is IV Dental Anesthesia Right for Me?

Many patients experience some fear or apprehension regarding dental appointments. Patients who feel excessively nervous about dental care, those who do not respond well to local anesthesia, patients with a severe gag reflex, and those who are in need of extensive dental work may all be ideal candidates for sedation dentistry. It is up to the discretion of Dr. Glenn to determine which level of sedation is right for each patient. IV dental anesthesia is administered through a vein and offers the deepest level of relaxation. However, patients do remain aware and responsive throughout treatment, and they are carefully monitored to ensure that their vital signs are strong and they are able to breathe on their own. This deep form of sedation dentistry is ideal for patients with the most severe feelings of dental anxiety, and those who undergo lengthy dental treatments.

Preparing for Treatment

Preparing for a dental appointment in which IV dental anesthesia will be used is different from preparing for a typical dental appointment. First, it is important that patients have a friend or family member drive them to and from their appointment, as it will not be safe to drive home while recovering from the effects of anesthesia. Second, it is important that Dr. Glenn is aware of your general health and any conditions that are present or medications that are used. All of this should be discussed with Dr. Glenn prior to coming in for treatment. Finally, it is important to avoid eating or drinking for at least eight hours prior to treatment.

Benefits of IV Dental Anesthesia

IV dental anesthesia is a closely monitored, and it allows patients to safely and comfortably undergo necessary dental care. Sedation dentistry in general benefits patients by enabling them to improve oral health without experiencing any stress, anxiety, or pain. For patients who have neglected their oral health as a result of dental anxiety, IV dental anesthesia offers a safe and practical solution.

Schedule an Appointment

Professional dental care is beneficial to a person’s oral health, but it can be difficult to get past dental anxiety in order to seek the dental treatment that is needed. Sedation dentistry can help patients eliminate the fears associated with dental care so they can receive necessary oral treatment while feeling relaxed and comfortable. If you’d like to learn more about sedation dentistry, schedule an appointment with Dr. Andrew R. Glenn at your earliest convenience.

Related to This

• All Blog Posts
• Sedation Dentistry
• Restorative Dentistry