While most people aren’t thrilled about visiting their dentist, they can accept that it’s a necessary part of life. However, for some people, the very thought of getting dental work done fills them with an overwhelming sense of dread. Dental anxiety and dental phobia can keep you from getting the oral health care you need, which can lead to larger and more painful complications later. That’s why your Bellingham sedation dentist offers a variety of calming sedation services to help ease these fears. Read on to learn more about a powerful sedation method called IV sedation dentistry and how to tell if it’s right for you!

How Does IV Sedation Work?        

As its name suggests, IV sedation involves administering an anti-anxiety medication into the blood. First, an intravenous drip is placed into the arm. Right away, the patient will begin to feel less anxious. Once they’ve reached a deeper level of relaxation than can be achieved with nitrous oxide sedation or oral conscious sedation, their Bellingham dentist will begin their treatment. They’ll keep a close eye on the patient’s heart rate and breathing, and will be able to adjust the level of sedation at anytime to ensure they’re as safe and comfortable as possible. The patient will remain conscious throughout the entire appointment, but they’ll be unaware of the sights, sounds or feelings that usually bother them. Afterwards, they’ll need a friend or family member to drive them home and are not likely to remember any of their visit.

Am I A Good Candidate for IV Sedation?

Of all the sedation dentistry options, IV sedation is the most powerful. It’s typically recommended for those who have:

• Severe dental anxiety or fear: IV sedation is a particularly good choice for those who struggle with feelings of insurmountable fear or nervousness when visiting the dentist.
• Very sensitive gag reflex: Very sensitive gag reflexes can be triggered while dental work is being performed, which is very uncomfortable. This reaction can be eased with IV sedation.
• Difficulty with local anesthesia: Some patients have difficulty numbing with local anesthesia alone. IV sedation can prevent them from feeling any pain during their treatment.
• Conditions that make sitting in the examination chair uncomfortable: Neck problems, back injuries, and other conditions can make sitting in the dentist’s chair extremely uncomfortable. This can be addressed with the help of IV sedation.
• Multiple procedures being completed in a single visit: IV sedation can help prevent patients from fidgeting and allow their dentist to work faster, which is especially helpful if the patient is having several procedures completed at one time.  

Who Shouldn’t Get IV Sedation?

While most people are a good candidate for IV sedation, it’s not a good choice for everyone. Certain medical conditions, medications, and other factors can increase your risk of complications with IV sedation. That’s why your dentist will carefully review your health and medical history before your treatment to help you pick the sedation option that’s best for your unique circumstances.  

About the Practice

The talented team of Moreno & Young Dental strive to create a welcoming, relaxing atmosphere where their patients can receive personalized and attentive dental care. However, they understand that’s not always enough for everyone. That’s why they go above and beyond for the smiles of Bellingham, WA and the surrounding communities by offering a variety of sedation dentistry options. Whether you need nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, or even general anesthesiology, they have the resources and training to help each of your appointments feel as comfortable and relaxing as possible. To see if IV sedation is right for you, they can be contacted via their website or at (360) 676-0642.