IV Sedation Dentistry
The dentists’ office, at times, can be a very intimidating place to be. The variety of tools, the impersonal mask, and the confusing dental jargon can be quite a mouthful. What if there were a way to avoid the anxiousness, fear, and aggravated nerves? There is a solution. Dr. Raskin and Dr. D’Orlando are certified to perform conscious IV Sedation. Now, patients can peacefully drift through their procedures without a care in the world. Not only do most patients feel no pain, but they have no memory of the procedure, and walk away like nothing ever happened.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Patients experience anxiety, when dealing with the dentist, for a multitude of reasons. Whether it’s because they had a bad experience at another office or they have a debilitating fear of needles, IV sedation is the solution. The process is fairly simple, and the best part is, the patient has little to no recollection of the procedure. The way this form of sedation works is, the doctor will gain intravenous access and administer the correct amount of medication. The patient is brought to, what is known as, a twilight state and is neither completely unconscious or conscious and alert.
IV Sedation Dentistry protocols have been used safely for over 30 years with millions of dental procedures. Before starting any treatments, your doctor will review your medical history and explain how sedation dentistry can work for you. Our dentists want you to feel good about going forward towards a healthy, new smile. On the day of your appointment, medication will be injected directly into the bloodstream, through an IV port in your arm, to help patients relax during their treatment. Patients will be closely monitored throughout the procedure to ensure their comfort and safety. Additional medication can be administered if a deeper level of sedation is needed. Many patients feel NO DISCOMFORT whatsoever during and after treatment, and have little or no memory of the visit. In dentistry, there are two major types of conscious sedation, oral and intravenous (IV).
Both types are effective when treating patients, but IV sedation does have its advantages. First off, patients do no need to take a pre-medication. This allows our patients to arrive at our office clear headed, and not drowsy. Secondly, once the medication is administered, the effects are almost instantaneous. Patients don’t need to wait for a pill to dissolve, and be absorbed into the bloodstream (a process that can normally take up to an hour). Lastly, because of the method of administration, once the medication has been removed, the patient doesn’t continue to receive doses of the sedative. This leaves the patient less groggy and drowsy when leaving the office. Through their experiences, Dr. Raskin and Dr. D’Orlando feel that intravenous sedation works best for their patients.
Dr. Raskin is a member of D.O.C.S., the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation
Another benefit is that extensive treatment can be done in one or two appointments, including whitening yellow or stained teeth, replacing crowns or dentures, fixing chipped or damaged teeth, and restoring sore gums to good health.
How it Works
IV Sedation Dentistry protocols have been used safely for over 30 years with millions of dental procedures. Before starting any treatments, your doctor will review your medical history and explain how Sedation Dentistry can work for you. Our dentists want you to feel good about going forward towards a healthy, new smile. On the day of your appointment, medication will be injected directly into the bloodstream through the arm to help patients fall “asleep” during their treatment.
Patients will be closely monitored throughout the procedure to ensure their comfort and safety. Additional medication can be administered if a deeper level of sedation is needed. Many patients feel NO DISCOMFORT whatsoever during and after treatment, and have little or no memory of the visit.
Candidates
Adults who have:
- High fear of visiting the dentist
- Had traumatic dental experiences
- Difficulty getting numb
- A bad gag reflex
- Very sensitive teeth
- Limited time to complete their dental care
- Complex dental problems
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Will I feel any pain?
A. Most patients feel no discomfort whatsoever during their treatment and feel surprisingly good afterwards. There may only be a mild discomfort when the sedation is administered, but this can be reduced through the use of a local anesthetic.
Q. Will I be totally relaxed?
A. You'll receive just enough sedation so that you'll be completely unaware of the treatment, as you would if you were asleep.
Q. Will I remember anything?
A. At the end of the treatment, you'll have little or no memory of your dental visit.
Q. Will I be groggy after my treatment is over?
A. You will feel just fine. For your safety, we do require that you have a family member or friend drive you home. Some patients may experience mild nausea, but this usually passes quickly.
Q. Will my insurance cover treatment?
A. We'll review your insurance coverage and, if necessary, make financial arrangements to ensure you get the dental care you need.
Q. Is Sedation Dentistry safe for me?
A. Before starting any treatment, we review your medical history, and we monitor you very closely while you're under sedation.
