Top Reasons Why Patients Choose IV Sedation Dentistry

IV sedation dentistry may sound like a complex procedure to opt for while at the Midtown Dentist’s office for a procedure, but it’s conscious sedation that offers several benefits compared to traditional sedation methods when you’re at the dental office.

In fact, Midtown Dental’s Dr. Jenny Apekian is IV certified by California and licensed to administer IV sedation, which she received after additional specialty training, and is one of the few dentists able to provide this service in the Sacramento area.

Dr. Apekian will use her expertise to monitor your pulse, breathing, and blood pressure throughout the procedure to watch for any adverse reactions while performing your dental treatment and ensure you feel relaxed and unaware of sights, smells, or sounds but remain responsive to verbal commands from our team.

Note: If a patient is medically compromised, it would not be safe to do this treatment in the dental office.  

What Is IV Sedation Dentistry?

IV sedation, also known as intravenous sedation or conscious sedation dentistry, is a form of sedation used in dentistry and other medical procedures to help patients relax and feel more comfortable during a procedure.

IV sedation is administered through an intravenous line in the patient’s arm, which allows the sedative medication to take effect quickly and efficiently. The level of sedation can be adjusted based on the patient’s individual needs and can range from mild relaxation to deep sedation or even general anesthesia, depending on the procedure and the patient’s medical history.

During IV sedation, patients typically remain conscious or in a semi-awake state and are able to respond to verbal commands, but they may feel drowsy, relaxed, or even fall asleep during the procedure. IV sedation for dental treatments is often used for patients who have dental anxiety or fear, have difficulty sitting still for long periods, or need more complex dental procedures.

Dental Anxiety

There are several reasons why people choose IV sedation dentistry, one of the more common reasons is dental anxiety.

According to a survey conducted by the American Dental Association (ADA) in 2017, it was estimated that about 22% of Californians reported experiencing anxiety or fear about going to the dentist. Dental anxiety can vary depending on several factors, including age, gender, previous dental experiences, etc.

There are several potential causes of dental anxiety, including:

• Past Traumatic Dental Experience: Negative experiences with dental procedures in the past, such as pain or discomfort, can create a lasting impact and lead to dental anxiety.
• Fear of Pain: The fear of experiencing pain during dental procedures is a common cause of dental anxiety, particularly in patients who have sensitive teeth or gums.
• Fear of Needles or Injections: The sight or thought of needles or injections can be a significant source of anxiety for many people, leading to dental anxiety.
• Fear of Loss of Control: Some people may feel a sense of helplessness or loss of control during dental procedures, which can contribute to anxiety.
• Embarrassment or Shame: Individuals who feel self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth or mouth may feel embarrassed or ashamed during dental appointments, leading to anxiety.
• Sensory Overload: Some people may experience sensory overload during dental procedures, such as the sound of dental tools, the taste or smell of dental materials, or the sensation of having their mouth open for an extended period.

Gag Reflex

The gag reflex is a natural protective mechanism that helps prevent foreign objects from entering the throat. But it can hinder dental procedures. When a dental instrument or material touches the back of the tongue or throat, it can trigger the gag reflex, making it difficult for our dentists to work effectively.

The gag reflex can also make breathing difficult for the patient during a procedure. They may involuntarily gasp or cough when the reflex is triggered, interrupting our staff’s work and causing additional stress or anxiety for the patient.

IV sedation can help reduce the gag reflex, making it easier for our dentists to work on the teeth and mouth. The medication used in IV sedation has a muscle-relaxing effect, which can help reduce the sensitivity of the gag reflex.

Lengthy or Complex Dental Procedure(s)

IV sedation helps manage lengthy or complex dental procedures where patients might experience discomfort, pain, or anxiety. These types of procedures may include wisdom teeth extraction, dental implant surgery, full-mouth reconstruction, root canal therapy, and periodontal surgery. IV sedation can help patients remain calm and relaxed throughout these procedures, making the experience more tolerable and less physically and mentally taxing.

Dental Implants

Dental implant surgery involves a dentist placing a titanium implant into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. This procedure can be lengthy and uncomfortable for patients, and IV sedation can help them feel more relaxed and comfortable during the procedure. IV sedation can also help reduce pain and discomfort during the healing process, allowing patients to recover more comfortably.

Full-Mouth Reconstruction

Full-mouth reconstruction involves restoring or replacing all of a patient’s teeth. This serious dental treatment can be a complex and lengthy procedure, and IV sedation can help patients remain calm and comfortable throughout the process. IV sedation can also help patients who may be anxious or nervous about undergoing a lengthy dental procedure.

Root Canal

Root canal therapy involves removing infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth. This procedure can be lengthy and uncomfortable, and IV sedation can help patients feel more relaxed and reduce pain and discomfort during the procedure. IV sedation can also help patients who may be anxious or nervous about undergoing a root canal, making the experience less stressful and more tolerable.

Oral Surgery

Oral surgery includes procedures like tooth extraction or wisdom teeth removal, among others. Oral surgeries can be lengthy and uncomfortable, and IV sedation can help patients feel more relaxed and comfortable during the procedure and treatment itself. IV sedation can also help reduce pain and discomfort during the healing process, allowing patients to recover more comfortably.

Pain Management

IV sedation can be used in cases where a patient complains that they cannot get numb with local anesthesia. Local anesthesia is typically the primary method used to numb the area being worked on during a dental procedure. But in some cases, the anesthesia may not be effective or may wear off quickly, leading to discomfort and pain during the procedure.

In situations where a patient is unable to get numb with local anesthesia, the dentists at Midtown Dental may consider using IV sedation because it can help the patient relax and reduce anxiety, making the procedure more tolerable, even if they are still able to feel some discomfort.

IV sedation can also help reduce the amount of local anesthesia required, as the patient is in a more relaxed state, and the medication used in IV sedation can have some pain-relieving properties, which can be useful for patients who have had difficulty getting numb in the past or who have a high tolerance for local anesthesia.

If a patient is having difficulty getting numb during a dental procedure, they should communicate this to our team. We’ll work with the patient to determine the best course of action to manage pain and ensure that the patient is comfortable throughout the procedure.