IV Sedation
IV Sedation
According to the American Dental Association, 22 percent of adults avoid the dentist due to anxiety.
Putting off necessary dental procedures can have a significant negative impact on your overall oral health.
What Is IV Sedation?
IV sedation at Family Dental Care involves administering a sedative medication via the bloodstream. Sometimes referred to as "twilight sleep", this type of anesthesia does not actually put you to sleep or render you unconscious. This option helps induce relaxation so individuals can stay comfortable during their dental appointment or treatment. Unlike general anesthesia, this type of sedation dentistry allows patients to communicate with our dentists. However, once the appointment is over, most individuals do not recall most of the procedure.
IV Sedation Puts Even the Greatest Concerns to Rest
We have board-certified anesthesiologists on hand to provide intravenous sedation at our Flowood, MS, practice. By offering this deep level of sedation, we can provide comfortable and stress-free care to patients with the widest range of needs–even serious dental anxiety. IV sedation also makes more complex procedures, like implant placement, easier for both the patient and the dentist.
Benefits of IV Sedation
Takes Effect Quickly
Oral sedatives often take an hour or longer to take effect. Intravenous, or IV, sedation begins to work almost immediately, which is beneficial for patients with extreme dental anxiety. Deep relaxation is quickly achieved with intravenous drugs.
Total Control
When oral medication is administered, there is less control over the effect it has on the patient or how long it lasts. With IV sedation, the doctor can constantly control the level of sedation. If the medication begins to wear off, more can be administered, with sedative effects setting in quickly.
Better Oral Health
The most important advantage of sedation dentistry is that it allows patients to undergo procedures that are critical to maintaining long-term oral health. Additionally, more treatment can be completed during one appointment. This reduces the number of necessary dental visits.
Safer than General Anesthesia
Unlike general anesthesia in a hospital setting, IV sedation keeps the patient semi-conscious. As a result, any discomfort or concerns can be relayed to our dentistry team right away.
IV Sedation vs General Anesthesia
There are certain differences between IV sedation and general anesthesia–mainly the levels of consciousness. With IV sedation, the patient can respond to the dentist and team throughout their dental treatment. With general anesthesia, the patient is completely unconscious for the procedure. However, with both forms of sedation, the patient will remain comfortable and will not remember the procedure.
Many patients avoid much-needed dental treatments because of anxiety, fear, or other concerns. IV sedation is a great option for many patients for a variety of reasons and is also safer than general anesthesia. No matter what your reasons for exploring sedation dentistry, our dental practice serves the greater Jackson area to help patients achieve a healthy and beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. Not sure if IV sedation is right for you? Request a consultation with our dentists to explore your options.
I am a very anxious person when it comes to dentists and having any work done. This dentistry clinic is by far the best practice I have ever been to. The hygienists are so kind and patient. The dentists are all extremely gentle and calming. They are a soothing and loving team. I would highly recommend this clinic to anyone, whether you are anxious or not. They are professional and have always taken great care of me and my teeth. I feel embarrassed about my anxiety, but they always manage to calm me and make me feel better. I can’t say enough about how grateful I am to have found them.
"After 3 years of not staying up to date with yearly cleanings I went back today. Bree was the absolute best! She was so kind and gentle and explained everything she was going to do in a way that I felt comfortable and in perfectly capable hands. Dr Belot came in after pictures and X-rays and as usual she had a smile on her face like I had never missed a beat! A plan was set in place for my dental needs and not once was I made to feel bad over not keeping my yearly cleanings. Rebecca was her usual upbeat self, putting a smile on my face, while assisting me with the financial direction best suited for my needs. I love Family Dental Care and I have never trusted another dental office with my dental care the way I do with these people. Thank you!!!
Concerned About Costs? We Have You Covered
While our practice accepts most insurance plans, sedation is not typically covered. To help patients manage out-of-pocket costs and invest in their peace of mind, we accept CareCredit® flexible financing.
Exploring Your Candidacy For IV Sedation
There are several reasons why our Jackson, MS patients may consider IV sedation with Family Dental Care. Candidates may have:
Dental Anxiety
Dental fears or phobias that lead patients to avoid oral care.
Complex Issues
Multiple or severe oral health issues can be treated at once.
Past Traumatic Visits
A history of unpleasant experiences when visiting the dentist.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth pain or sensitivity during dentistry appointments.
Numbing Issues
Difficulty getting completely numb from local anesthesia.
Lengthy Treatment
Oral surgery and other types of work that take more time.
Special Needs
Involuntary movements caused by cerebral palsy, Parkinson's, and more.
How Does IV Sedation Work?
We work with an anesthesiologist to uphold the highest standards
of patient safety. We work with an anesthesiologist to uphold the highest standards
of patient safety.
Placement of the IV
At the beginning of your appointment, your doctor places an IV in a vein, typically in your arm or hand.
Medication Delivery
The connected tubing delivers medication directly into the bloodstream. Sedative effects take effect in just minutes.
Monitoring
During your procedure or surgery, your oxygen levels and heart rate are monitored constantly to identify any negative reactions to the anesthesia.
Getting Home Safely
Because intravenous sedation affects your cognitive ability and motor function, you will need to have a friend or family member drive you home following your procedure.
Other Sedation Options
Patients at our Flowood, MS, office, serving the greater Jackson area, can explore sedation for all types of dental procedures. In addition to IV sedation, we also offer nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation.
Nitrous Oxide
This is a mild form of sedation, also known as laughing gas. Patients simply breathe in nitrous oxide to experience a relaxed state. It takes effect quickly for nearly instantaneous peace of mind. Nitrous oxide is great for short procedures like cleanings. It also wears off quickly once the mask is removed, meaning you can drive and return to your normal activities.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation involves your dentist prescribing an anxiety medication that you take before your treatment. Like nitrous oxide, you will remain conscious yet relaxed during your treatment. However, the effects last longer, so you will need a responsible adult to drive you to and from your treatment.
Which Sedation Option Is Best for Me?
The option that is right for you depends on your unique dental needs. Many patients find that nitrous oxide is sufficient for cleanings, but opt for IV sedation during dental implant surgery. It is important to remember that with oral conscious and IV sedation, you will need a responsible adult to drive you to and from your treatment, and you will need to wait for the effects to wear off completely before resuming your normal activities.
During your consultation at our Flowood practice, you and your dentist can explore all of the options to decide which type is best for you and your unique needs.
Dr. B is awesome! I wish I had discovered her years ago. The office staff is amazing! I fervently recommend this office for your dental care needs, especially if you have dentophobia like me.
The friendliest and most welcoming staff. They worked me in the same day I called. Been looking for a new dentist(other dentist retired) and I have found the perfect place.