The Advantages and Drawbacks of IV Sedation

You’ve never had a wonderful time inside your dentist’s office. There are even instances when you can’t help but panic while receiving the necessary dental treatment. Thus, in an attempt to make things easier for you, your dentist has proposed that you undergo IV sedation on your next dental visit. Unfortunately, you’re undecided on whether or not to push through with IV sedation since you don’t know if it’s the best solution to your problem.

To make sure that you are able to come up with a good decision, we have listed some of the advantages and drawbacks of IV sedation below:

Advantages
• Deeper sedation level. Unlike inhalation and oral sedation, IV sedation offers you a deeper level of sedation, making it highly unlikely for you to feel anxious while your dentist works on your teeth.
• Fast acting sedatives. With the sedatives injected directly into your veins, it only takes a few seconds for them to take effect.
• Adjustable dosage of sedatives. If you’re still a little frightened, even after an initial dose of sedatives, your dentist may easily increase the dosage until you’re completely relaxed.
• Amnesic effect. IV sedation causes you to temporarily lose your memory, which works in your favor if you want to forget about your treatment along with the sights and smells inside the clinic.

Drawbacks
• Use of needles. Since IV sedation involves placing a needle in your arm or hand, it may not be a completely pleasant experience for you, especially if you’re afraid of needles. If this is the case, then your dentist may suggest other forms of sedation in the form of pills or laughing gas.

If you’re having second thoughts about undergoing IV sedation, don’t hesitate to talk to your Santa Cruz dentist, Dr. Robert Matiasevich. You may also call 831-440-7577 or accomplish our patient form to set an appointment with him.