Depending on the case, IV sedation can make a great addition to a patient’s treatment. Getting it will often help otherwise tricky dental work go much more smoothly and quickly. That said, you should still learn whether you’re a good candidate for IV sedation before you commit. The good news is your Virginia oral surgeon is here to address this matter. So, keep reading to learn about IV sedation and who’s best suited for it.
Crucial Context: What’s IV Sedation?
IV sedation is one of several types of sedation dentistry. To that extent, it’s a highly effective way of keeping patients calm and relaxed during dental work.
Today’s IV sedation is more intense and invasive than other sedative options. Unlike the other kinds, it applies fairly powerful medicine through a thin needle inserted into your arm. This tube allows the sedative to spread through your body and helps you quickly relax. To ensure these effects persist, the doctor will keep the tube in your arm during the entire treatment.
Due to its potent sedative, IV sedation often takes a day or two to wear off fully. That means patients who get it must have a friend or family member drive them home after their procedure(s).
Who’s a Good Candidate for It?
Given how IV sedation differs from other sedative types, the best candidates for it are:
Patients with Moderate-to-High Anxiety
Patients with moderate-to-high anxiety can benefit greatly from IV sedation. After all, less intense sedatives like nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation won’t often keep them calm. That means they need more intense medicine to help them stay relaxed during their dental treatment. With IV sedation, very anxious folks can receive the right sedative and have smooth and comfortable care.
Patients with a Strong Gag Reflex
IV sedation is also great for patients with an overly strong gag reflex. Even as the latter interferes with dental work, it often can’t be resolved with just willpower or mild sedatives. Powerful gag reflexes need potent sedatives like those provided by IVs to be fully addressed. Once they’ve been tamed, a dentist or surgeon can then proceed with crucial dental care.
Patients Who Need Long Procedures
Many who get long dental procedures will find their treatment slow and tiresome. Thankfully, IV sedation resolves that issue by altering a patient’s perception of time. Its powerful sedative tends to make hours feel like mere minutes, allowing you to get through lengthy dental work without incident.
Even with the points above, consult your dental provider to learn if you’re a good candidate for IV sedation. They’ll know your situation best and confirm if this option suits you!
About the Practice
Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial, & Implant Surgery is based in three Virginia locations: Alexandria, Reston, and Burke. Led by an amazing team of oral surgeons, our practice offers truly restorative dentistry that makes smiles healthy and whole. You can count on us for tooth extractions, dental implants, cosmetic BOTOX, and more! We also provide sedation options that keep patients calm and relaxed during care. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or call (571)-777-6501, (703)-736-1640, or (703)-425-5010.