Have you found yourself avoiding the dentist in spite of oral health issues such as dental caries or cracked teeth? You may be suffering from dental anxiety, in which case sleep dentistry provided by IV sedation could be an excellent solution.
When you continue to ignore small health issues like fissures or sensitivity of the teeth, the problem could worsen, leading to even more pronounced dental anxiety and a more invasive dental procedure and expense.
What is dental anxiety and how can IV sedation dentistry help?
Dental anxieties are unfortunately all too common. Dental anxiety can be associated with the dental clinic setting or specific triggers like needles or drills.
There are various reasons why these kinds of anxieties develop, including previous negative experiences with a dentist, extreme sensitivity or resistance to local anaesthetics.
Luckily, there is something you can do to help you get the treatment you need – going to an IV sedation dentist like Dapto Dentists. IV sedation dentistry helps to keep patients calm for the duration of their dental treatments so they can get the necessary work completed quickly and efficiently and without enduring the anxiety or discomforts of the past.
Who needs IV sedation dentistry?
Anyone in good health can be a candidate for IV sedation dentistry, but it is an especially effective solution for patients who experience the following:
- Phobia of dental procedures
- Difficulty getting numb
- Sensitive teeth or oral nerves
- Complex dental issues
- Resistance to local anaesthetic
- A small mouth that aches during dental work
- General anxiety disorder
- Gag reflex
Is IV sedation safe?
IV sedation dentistry is very safe.
Before receiving IV sedation, our visiting IV sedation dentist, Dr Shabbir Kermali will conduct a preliminary consultation. He will check your previous medical and oral history and medications you are taking, as well as any allergies to determine your eligibility.
Some medical conditions like hypertension may require permission from your doctor before IV sedation can be administered. Dr Kermali also monitors your vital signs using state-of-the-art monitoring equipment throughout the treatment and while you are in the recovery room.
Before the Appointment?
- Avoid eating or drinking six hours before your appointment
- Take your normal medication with a sip of water, unless Dr Kermali instructs you otherwise
- Do not smoke for 24 hours before your procedure
- Wear comfortable clothing, but no jewellery, nail polish or contact lenses
- Brush your teeth before your procedure
What does IV sedation feel like?
IV sedation medication is introduced into your bloodstream via an intravenous catheter which is inserted into a vein, usually around the inside bend of your elbow (antecubital fossa) or your hand. This allows Dr Kermali to precisely administer the amount of medication needed for sedation. It also reduces the amount of time needed before treatment can begin.
The sedative works to put you in a semi-conscious state, so you are unaware and unable to remember the events happening around you, although you can still respond to your dentist’s requests.
When the sedative takes effect, our patients generally feel extremely relaxed and, in a dream-like state of mind. Following the procedure, most say they didn’t even realise how much time had passed and that their appointment was already over.
In our surgery, the IV sedation is administered along with local anaesthetic to numb the site.
What happens after the appointment?
You will feel sleepy or be asleep during the procedure so there will be a short period after your treatment where you will be allowed to recover and must be fully alert before you are released to your companion. You may feel a little drowsy when you come around, so you will need to take it easy for the rest of the day. Your companion will be responsible for driving you home.
It can take 24 hours for the medication to leave your body, so avoid alcohol and take any medication prescribed as directed. Also, avoid driving and strenuous activities for the rest of the day.
Are there side effects?
You may experience some minor bruising, bleeding or swelling at the injection site. Some patients also experience nausea and vomiting.
Contact us
With IV sedation dentistry, you can overcome your dental anxieties and get the treatment you need for a healthy smile. If you are ready to tackle your fears with the help of IV sedation dentistry and take control of your oral health; you can book your appointment online or by calling us on (02) 4210 9058.
