Combat Dental Fear with IV Sedation

Millions of Americans suffer from dental fear, which is why at Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry we do all we can to calm your nerves. We want you to feel comfortable and relaxed while we work. One way we do this is by offering IV sedation. Today, let’s talk about why with IV sedation, you don’t have to fear the dentist any more.

What Is IV Sedation?

Intravenous sedation, or IV sedation, is when a sedative drug is administered via an injection. Dentists sometimes recommend IV sedation for patients suffering from dental fear so that they can feel calm and relaxed during their dental procedures.

How Can IV Sedation Help Combat Dental Fear?

During IV sedation, patients are not completely asleep or unconscious, but in an induced sleep-like state where they are incredibly relaxed and calm. When patients awake from a procedure they may not remember anything and will feel like no time has passed since they first came to the dentist. Patients who undergo IV sedation will also feel no pain during the procedure. They will walk out of the dentist’s office having received the dental care they needed without their fear getting the best of them!

Who Can Receive IV Sedation?

Patients with dental fear can receive IV sedation so that they can get a dental procedure done without anxiety. IV sedation can also be used for people who have very sensitive teeth, can’t sit still in the dentist’s chair, have a bad gag reflex, have a low pain threshold, or need extensive dental work done.

Is IV Sedation Safe?

IV sedation is extremely safe when carried out by a specially-trained dentist. However, complications can arise in a few cases, such as if you are pregnant, have an allergy to benzodiazepines, experience central nervous system depression, have sleep apnea, or have glaucoma. Before you undergo IV sedation, discuss your medical history with us so we can determine whether or not you are an appropriate candidate for sedation based on your health and any medications you may be taking. We’ll go over with you how much sedative we’ll use and how we’ll give you the sedative, monitor your vitals throughout the procedure, and answer any other questions you may have.

Your Comfort & Safety Is Important to Us!

At Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry, we want you to feel completely comfortable and safe when you’re sitting in our dental chair. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our locations across North Carolina.