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If you feel anxiety when you visit the dentist, IV sedation may be the ideal treatment for you. Whether you feel somewhat nervous before an exam or have severe dental phobia, IV sedation can help you get the dental care you need. Learn more about this remarkable treatment and how it takes the stress completely out of your dental visits in Harford County.
Benefits of Stress-Free Procedures
What is IV Sedation?
IV sedation stands for intravenous sedation, and is a solution that’s comprised of many different chemicals designed to block the sensation of pain and keep the patient in a state of “twilight sleep”: this means that although you are not unconscious, you will not feel any pain and you’ll have no memory of the procedure. Therefore, we ask that you please bring a friend or family member to transport you to and from our office, as the effects of the sedation will not wear off immediately after surgery.
How Does IV Sedation Work?
IVs are connected via a tube which allows fluid to safely flow into your body. The special sedative is administered gradually to ensure that the patient will have no memory of the procedure. In addition to taking stress away for the patient, IV sedation provides other benefits as well.
Benefits of Stress-Free Procedures
- Completely removes the pain from your dental treatment
- Allows Dr. Grubb to perform multiple dental procedures
- Patient retains no memory of the procedure
- Patient maintains consciousness and the ability to respond to commands
Dr. Grubb Provides IV Sedation to Patients in Harford County
Dr. Grubb is proud to provide sedation dentistry to patients near Havre de Grace, MD. Simply request IV sedation to ensure that your next dental appointment is completely stress-free. Contact us to schedule a consultation or to set up your next appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sedation safer than general anesthesia?
Will I be unconscious during IV sedation?
Is sedation dentistry covered by insurance?
How long does dental sedation take to wear off?
Am I a good candidate for sedation dentistry?
Is sedation safer than general anesthesia?
Yes, because there are fewer risks associated with IV sedation than with losing consciousness during general anesthesia. General anesthesia is reserved for more invasive surgeries that typically take place in hospitals.
Conscious sedation does have its own risks, however, such as:
- Changes in heart rate and blood pressure
- Respiratory depression
- Potential allergic reaction
While complications are rare, having a trusted dentist such as Dr. Grubb administering the medication will ensure you receive the proper dosage and that the treatment will produce the best possible results. You’ll also be monitored at all times during your visit by a member of our staff, who will make sure you are safe and comfortable.
Will I be unconscious during IV sedation?
Many dentists refer to the state of awareness as “twilight sleep,” because the patient remains conscious during treatment. Twilight sleep is important because it allows the patient to breathe without assistance, and makes it possible for the patient to respond to any questions the dentist may have during treatment.
Though you’ll technically be awake, you won’t feel any pain or anxiety during your procedure and likely won’t recall the treatment after the effects wear off.
Is sedation dentistry covered by insurance?
In cases where sedation isn’t medically necessary (such as for elective procedures), most dental insurance plans don’t provide coverage for this service. Still, most patients feel that any expenses they incur are well worthwhile.
Dr. Grubb and our team want our patients to be as comfortable as possible, so we’ll be happy to recommend a number of payment and financing options to help you cover the cost.
How long does dental sedation take to wear off?
The best practice is to allow a full 24 hours after your initial sedation for the effects to wear off. This means avoiding driving, operating any machinery, or performing tasks that could be dangerous if you’re not at your best. Though the effects of sedation do depend on the specific amount and strength of dose administered to you, allowing a full day for recovery is always a good idea.
Make sure to bring someone you can trust to drive you home after your procedure as well.
Am I a good candidate for sedation dentistry?
If you feel dental anxiety or phobia, then you are a good candidate for sedation dentistry. Some things to consider to identify dental anxiety or phobia include:
- Fear of needles and/or shots
- A past traumatic dental experience
- Adverse reaction to smells and sounds of dentist’s office
- Have overly sensitive teeth, a strong gag reflex, or trouble getting numb
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