Experience Deep Relaxation And
Remain Alert With IV Sedation
Dental anxiety is common, but for some, it can be downright crippling. Far too many men and women suffer from poor oral health – and low self-esteem and confidence as a result – due to their fears of the dentist. At Silvers Family Dental Care, we tell our patients that we can help them overcome their dental phobia. To meet our patients’ needs, we offer a complete range of sedation dentistry options, which can effectively alleviate or eliminate altogether a patient’s anxiety and fears. Through this simple treatment, we can provide a patient with a deep state of relaxation so that he or she can receive the dental treatment needed to restore the health and appearance of his or her smile. Among the sedation dentistry techniques we offer, one of the most effective is IV sedation – fast-acting, extremely reliable, and customizable to each patient, IV sedation is the option of choice for more complex procedures, as well as for patients who experience severe phobia.
Do you suffer from dental phobia or have a fear of the dentist? Take the first step to revitalizing your oral health and your self-confidence – contact our Harrisburg dental practice today to arrange a consultation with Dr. Silvers. We care passionately about the health and well-being of our patients, and if you suffer from dental phobia, you can rest assured that we will do everything that we can to see to it that you receive the dental care that you need – and deserve.
IV Sedation – How Does It Work?
Individuals considering sedation dentistry should consult with our team prior to making any decisions on treatment. It is important to note that individuals undergoing IV sedation will require an escort to and from the dental office, as the effects of the sedative will continue for several hours after treatment. Additionally, IV sedation is administered via a needle, and though a numbing crème is utilized at the injection site to eliminate any pain or discomfort, this is something that patients should take into consideration. If you suffer from dental phobia and a fear of needles, than alternatives, such as oral conscious sedation or nitrous oxide sedation, may be better suited to your needs.
Step 1 – Day of: Prior to the start of your treatment, a numbing crème will be applied to the injection site. This local anesthesia effectively numbs the skin on contact, without the use of a needle. Once the skin is numb, the IV needle will be inserted into the vein via a catheter, or guiding tube. Once in place, the intravenous sedation – typically some form of anti-anxiety sedative such as benzodiazepines – is administered. The drug is administered slowly to the desired point, at which point the feed is shut off. This prevents any chance of over sedation.
Step 2 – The Procedure: While sedated, you will still be alert and able to answer questions or respond to commands. However, you will be in a deep state of relaxation, and will experience no anxiety or fear of any kind. The sedation is so effective that even complex dental procedures can be carried out without worry. Put simply, we can eliminate your phobias altogether through dental sedation and provide you with the dental care that you need.
Step 3 – After the Procedure: The effects of IV sedation last for several hours after your treatment is complete. You will likely feel sleepy and perhaps a bit disoriented at first, but these symptoms will wear off. For this reason, it is imperative that you have an escort to and from the dental office, even if you are not driving. Once the sedation has worn off, you will have little to no memory of your procedure, as the sedative causes a temporary amnesia of the events that occur while you are sedated. For many patients with dental phobia, this amnesia effect is the most desirable part of dental sedation.
During your initial consultation, we can discuss your needs in detail and make a recommendation on which dental sedation option would be best for you. Though IV sedation is ideal for patients with severe dental phobias, as well as those who are undergoing complex dental procedures, it you experience mild anxiety, you may be better suited with oral conscious sedation. Our team will provide you with the information you need to make a confident decision on your treatment.
Contact Dr. Silvers Today
Let us be partners in maintaining your oral health. If you suffer from dental phobia and have neglected the health of your teeth and gums due to this fear, we can help. With sedation dentistry, we can alleviate or eliminate these fears and provide you with sound dental treatment in a calming, relaxed environment. To arrange a consultation with Dr. Silvers, please contact our dental office today.
