Many dental practices use the term “sleep dentistry” when talking about IV sedation. This can be confusing for some because it suggests that you are being put to sleep. However, this terminology is more descriptive to deep sedation, which is classified as general anesthesia.
In all reality, patients remain conscious during IV sedation, and are able to understand and respond to requests from the dentist. However, patients typically don’t remember much, or anything at all, about what went on during the procedure. This is because of two reasons:
- IV sedation involves patients being induced in a state of deep relation and a feeling of not caring about what’s going on.
- The drugs that are used for IV sedation produce either partial or full memory loss from the period when it kicks in until it finally wears off. As a result, time will seem to pass very quickly and patients won’t recall much of went on. Many patients remember nothing at all.
Benefits of IV Sedation
- IV sedation is a method of choice if patients don’t want to be aware of the procedure due to dental fear or dental phobia. The alternative is oral sedation, but oral sedation is not as effective as IV Sedation.
- The onset effects of IV sedation are very rapid, and the drug dosage and level can be altered to meet the individual patient’s needs. This is huge advantage compared to alternative sedation methods. IV sedation is both highly effective and highly reliable.
- The maximum level of sedation that can be reached with IV sedation is much higher compared to oral sedation and inhalation sedation.
- The gag reflex is greatly diminished, patients that receive IV sedation rarely experience gagging during the procedure. If you’re choosing IV sedation to reduce gag reflex, inhalation sedation is tried first. If that fails to diminish the gag reflex then IV sedation is used.
- Some treatments can be performed at a much faster pace and with less appointments with the help of IV sedation.
- IV sedation provides a conscious state for the patient, while also helping them relax. Meaning the patient will be able to cooperate with instructions and feel relaxed at the same time.
Don’t let you fear of the dentist stop you from having a bright and healthy smile. If you do suffer from dental fear or dental phobia, be sure to ask Dr. Patrick Simone about sedation dentistry today.
If you would like to learn more about IV sedation, contact Dr. Patrick Simone, DDS in Henderson, NV at (702) 735-2755.
Dr. Patrick Simone proudly accepts patients from Henderson, Las Vegas, Silverado Rach, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley and all surrounding areas.