Is IV Sedation Dentistry Right for Me?

Getting routine dental checkups, preventive care, and any dental treatments you may need is essential for maintaining a healthy smile for life. Unfortunately, dental anxiety or discomfort in the dental examination chair causes some patients to put off taking care of their smile, which can cost them in the long run. Fortunately, sedation dentistry options like IV sedation dentistry in Gilbert can help you feel completely at ease while your dental team works on your smile. Read on to learn more about this form of dental sedation and discover if it might be right for you.

What Is IV Dental Sedation?

Unlike other sedation dentistry options, IV dental sedation is administered directly into your blood stream. This allows the medication to take effect right away, helping you ease into a deep state of relaxation within just a few moments. While you will remain conscious throughout your appointment, you will be in a content, dreamlike headspace. In fact, many patients feel as if they slept through their whole treatment since IV sedation keeps the patient from forming memories during the treatment.

As you relax, your dentist and their team will get to work on your smile. They will be able to work much faster and complete more tasks than usual while you relax with IV sedation. Your dentist will monitor your vital signs carefully and adjust your level of sedation as needed to ensure your comfort and safety.

Signs You May Need IV Dental Sedation

IV dental sedation is the most powerful form of sedation dentistry available. You may benefit from it if:

• You have moderate to severe dental phobia, fear, or anxiety
• Numbing medications are often not enough to keep you comfortable
• You have a very strong gag reflex or very sensitive teeth
• Jaw, shoulder, neck, or back pain make sitting in the dental chair uncomfortable
• You plan on having several treatments completed at once
• You will be undergoing a lengthy or complicated procedure

Who Should NOT Get IV Dental Sedation?

While IV dental sedation has been proven to be a safe and effective choice for most patients, it’s not right for everyone. Certain factors may place you at a higher risk for complications with IV sedation dentistry, such as specific medications or health conditions. If you suffer from high blood pressure, respiratory illness, or sleep apnea, we may not recommend IV dental sedation. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers are also not good candidates for IV sedation. In these situations, your dentist will work with you to find a better way for you to relax during your appointments.

In the end, the only way to know for sure if you’re a candidate for IV sedation dentistry is to visit your dentist for a consultation. They’ll take the time to get to know you and review your medical records in order to determine if IV sedation is right for you.

About the Practice

At Desert Springs Dental, Dr. Shandy Condie is dedicated to helping the people of Gilbert and the surrounding communities achieve and maintain optimal oral health. Thanks to her advanced training from the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, her membership in the American Dental Association, and the hours of continuing education she completes every year, she is able to offer the best dental techniques and treatments. This includes several options for sedation dentistry, including IV sedation. To learn more about your options, she can be reached online or at (480) 279-3100.