Dental IV Sedation
Portland, OR
Regular dental care is essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Ignoring your home care routine, or skipping dental visits, can greatly increase your chances of being faced with serious issues. In some cases, even with proper oral care, situations may occur requiring the need for anxiety provoking dental treatment. Does the thought of undergoing necessary dental treatment fill you with dread? West End Dental can help with IV sedation.
Uses for Sedation
Experiencing fear and anxiety are common reasons for avoiding necessary dental treatments. Sedation is designed to allow you to relax and feel comfortable in the dental chair, enabling you to get your procedures accomplished in a fashion that prevents you from being aware. It also allows us to perform these procedures safely and effectively. Other common reasons for using sedation include:
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You find it difficult to sit still.
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You have a low tolerance for pain.
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Your teeth are very sensitive.
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You have a sensitive gag reflex that is easily triggered.
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You need to undergo multiple procedures in one appointment, or your appointment will take a long time to complete. |
What is IV Sedation?
IV sedation is the administration of sedative medications through an IV catheter directly into your bloodstream. On an anesthesia scale from total consciousness to general anesthesia, IV sedation provides moderate to deep sedation. The sedation is deeper than that caused by the use of nitrous oxide or oral sedation. During IV sedation, patients are still breathing on their own and are able to respond to verbal command. However, the medications used provide amnesia and a sense that the procedure has happened quickly. Most patients do fall asleep.
How IV Sedation Works
IV sedation does require some prior preparation. It is important that you not eat or drink anything, including water, for at least 6 hours before your appointment. The exception to this would be to take your usually scheduled medications with just enough water to swallow the pills. Once you arrive, and you are seated in the chair, we begin by inserting an IV catheter either into the back of your hand or your arm. IV fluids are administered through the catheter. Several sensors are placed on you so that we may monitor vital signs. Once this is accomplished, the sedative medication is administered, and it goes into the bloodstream with the IV fluids. The medication goes to work very quickly.
Once your procedure is over, the administration of sedative medication is stopped and a period of recovery ensues. No matter if you are undergoing moderate or deep sedation, the effects of the sedation will linger, often for several hours after the completion of your procedure. For this reason, you will need to have someone with you who can drive you home after you are released.
With IV sedation, you can feel relaxed and comfortable and will be able to get the dental treatment you need to restore your oral health. For more information, and to find out if IV sedation is right for you, call West End Dental today at (503) 446-2957. |
