It is an unfortunate fact that quite a few people struggle with dental phobias, and some even avoid dental services for years because of that anxiety. Those are a few of the reasons why sedation dentistry has become such a common practice in recent decades. With the proper sedation techniques, your dentist can ensure that you stay calm and comfortable throughout your visit, and the effects often wear off within hours. If you have been avoiding dental treatments and services because of anxiety, then it might be time for you to consider sedation dentistry in Las Cruces.
Understanding IV Sedation Dentistry
There are a few different types of sedation dentistry to choose from, but many patients and medical professionals prefer the IV method. To carry out the IV method, a team member is first going to inspect and clean the injection site. Once the area has been prepped, a very fine needle is inserted into the skin. The medical professional is then going to administer just enough of the sedative to relax the patient so that they remain comfortable throughout the treatment. Unlike a general anesthetic, an IV sedative isn’t going to put you completely to sleep, but you are going to feel as if you are asleep. A team member is also going to keep a close eye on you throughout the procedure to ensure that you remain properly sedated.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
There are quite a few reasons why IV sedatives are now being used by dentists throughout the world. For many people, the primary benefit of an IV sedative is the fact that they are going to remain calm and comfortable throughout each procedure. Some patients are extremely anxious whenever they have to visit the dentist because of bad experiences in the past or common misconceptions. The powerful sedative is going to put you at ease so that you can have vital treatments and procedures carried out.
Sedation dentistry is also going to improve your long-term health by allowing you to schedule regular appointments with your dentist. Oral health problems are extremely common, and they can lead to major cosmetic and dental issues. Some patients are surprised to hear that they can even be given a sedative before basic checkups and general dentistry services. During your annual appointments, a dentist will carefully inspect your mouth and look for gingivitis, surface damage, dental caries, and other common oral health problems.
What to Expect During and After Your Appointment
Every appointment is slightly different, but most treatments and procedures take no more than a few hours to complete. If you are dealing with severe oral health problems, then your appointment might take slightly longer. To begin each treatment, you will be guided to a private room where you can relax in a comfortable chair. A team member is then going to mark the treatment site and insert the thin IV needle. Within a few moments of the sedative being administered, you are going to feel as if you are falling asleep. Once you are fully sedated, the dental team will inspect the mouth and begin the treatment.
Following your appointment, you should plan on having a loved one take you home. While the side effects fade away fairly quickly, some patients feel groggy and tired for at least a few hours following their appointments. If the procedure required major alterations to the teeth or gums, then you might be given additional medications as well. By the next morning, all the side effects from the sedative should be completely gone.
