The answer is an unequivocal “yes”. Intravenous sedation at Waterfront Dental is an extremely safe and reliable way to receive dental care. Drugs used for intravenous sedation have been used in dentistry for decades, and complications are extraordinarily rare and rarely serious. Intravenous sedation is generally considered safe for those who are good candidates, which includes most patients.
Your dentist will ask you about underlying health conditions or other factors to determine if another form of sedation is a better option. It's important to work with a well-trained dentist to keep you safe and reduce any problems. However, it's important to know the risks. As with many things in life, no medical professional can say with absolute certainty that the use of anesthesia involves no risk.
However, it's a proven practice and is generally safe when administered by trained professionals. Qualified dentists will monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure and will have oxygen and medications available that will neutralize the effects of hand sedation. Intravenous sedation dentistry works as a form of conscious sedation to help you feel relaxed during your consultation. This method doesn't make you fully sleep, but it does make you less aware of your surroundings, including anything the dentist may or may not do to your mouth.
That means you can still respond to verbal commands or gentle pushes, and you shouldn't need help breathing. It's also important to find out if sedation is appropriate for your age and health condition, and if it will be compatible with any other medications you're taking at the time. Dental sedation is generally not recommended for pregnant people because some sedative medications may affect fetal development. In some patients, it can take 24 to 48 hours for the medication to completely leave their body, so it's important to get enough rest after undergoing sedation.
Dr. Merguerian will always review your health history, medications and supplements you are taking, and other information to ensure that IV sedation is safe for you. Since the dentist tends to work faster when you're sedated, this can result in fewer appointments. Because oral sedation temporarily affects memory and motor skills, you'll need a friend or family member to drive you home after the procedure.
General anesthesia in a hospital or ambulatory surgery center may be needed when treating young children, adults with special needs, or people with severe dental anxiety. Your dentist monitors the amount of sedation you receive and adjusts the doses accordingly throughout the procedure. If the thought of going to the dentist is scary or anxious, dentistry with sedation can help you get the care you need for long-term oral health. Intravenous sedation works well for patients with severe dental anxiety, who need stronger sedation than nitrous oxide.
You can still respond to any verbal cues that your dentist gives you when they clean your teeth or do other dental treatment. Before undergoing intravenous sedation dentistry, there are certain steps that must be taken in order to ensure safety and comfort during the procedure. These generally include recommendations to wear comfortable clothing, avoid eating or drinking 6 to 8 hours before sedation, and to stop taking certain medications (unless they have been approved beforehand). With oral conscious sedation, the dentist gives you a sedative medication (usually in pill form) about an hour before the procedure begins.
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