Intravenous Sedation

A large number of the world’s population are scared of the dentist, a condition often referred to as dental phobia. This can be devastating for those who suffer this affliction, as they will more often than not put their fears before their needs and consequently suffer from poor oral health:

• Gum disease
• Decayed teeth
• Bad breath
• Broken teeth

The above are some of the problems dental phobic patients can suffer by putting off essential routine dental treatment. Now, however, dental experts have developed a sedation technique that has been proven to ease dental phobia and other common anxieties during treatment.

Intravenous sedation is able to decrease the patient’s fear of dental treatment and make essential routine check-ups easier to tolerate. The patient is able to combat their fears and attain essential treatment and the dentist is able to focus more clearly on the patient’s oral health needs to deliver expert treatment.

What is Intravenous Sedation?

Intravenous sedation is a relaxation technique that is able to leave the patient in a dream like state, but one in which they are awake and aware of their surroundings. It is administered through an injection by the dentist and is monitored carefully and continuously throughout treatment.

The sedation works quickly and is able to induce a deeper level of sedation compared to other sedative options. This type of sedation is available for dental phobic patients and can also be used in cases where minor dental surgery is required. It is also a perfect option for patients who suffer from intense gag reflex problems.

Being awake during treatment enables the patient to feel more in control of their treatment, as they will be able to remain conscious and follow instructions from the dentist. Intravenous sedation can also at times be a superior alternative to general/local anaesthetic.