|
If you suffer from fears and anxieties associated with receiving dental care you are not alone. With over 100 million Americans experiencing some form of fear or anxiety about going to the dentist, it is common to experience dental anxiety. Millions of Americans avoid the dentist due to traumatic experiences as children, or even through the common misconceptions associated with many dental procedures. No matter the reason, far too many individuals simply stop seeking routine dental care because they are scared. Whether you are postponing a simple dental checkup, construction and repair or a brand-new smile, now is the time to take better care of yourself with the help of sedation dentistry and IV sedation. What is IV Sedation? Intravenous conscious sedation (IV sedation) is when medication is given through an IV. Conscious sedation is sometimes referred to as "twilight sleep" or "sleep dentistry." During sedation you are not fully asleep, but you will maintain a decreased memory of the appointment, making you feel as if you were asleep. Providing medication through an IV is safer and more accurate than taking a pill as it can allow your dentist to control your level of comfort and sedation more accurately. It also makes it easier for your dentist to reverse the sedation at any time, unlike oral medication. How Will I Feel? Dr. Barnes, your dentist in Boulder, is licensed and credentialed in Colorado to administer oral sedation and IV sedation. During IV sedation you will remain conscious and will also be able to understand and respond to requests, swallow and breathe by yourself. The sedation relaxes you and provides amnesia of your experience with your appointment. Pain medication is also used, if necessary, to ensure comfort after the appointment is completed. You may not remember much of your dental appointment due to the increased state of deep realization and a feeling of not being bothered by what is going on. The drugs that are used for IV sedation can also produce either partial or full memory loss for the period of time when the sedation modality first kicks in, until it wears off. As a result, time will appear to pass very quickly and you will not recall much of your appointment, or perhaps even remember anything at all. This may, indeed, make it appear as if you were "asleep" for the entire procedure. IV Sedation Advantages Some of the main advantages of IV sedation include:
* It tends to be the method of choice if you do not want to be aware of the procedure - you just "don't want to know."
* The onset of action is very rapid.
* The drug dosage and level of sedation can be tailored to meet your individual needs.
* The maximum level of sedation that can be reached with an IV is deeper than with oral or inhalation sedation.
* Gag reflex is highly diminished.
* Can be ideal for those with dental phobia or anxiety of dental injections. After your procedure with IV sedation is completed, you will need your escort to drive you home and to rest for the remainder of the day as the sedation will not wear off immediately. Don't perform any strenuous or hazardous activities and don't drive a motor vehicle for the remainder of the day. It is important to take medications as directed by your dentist in Boulder, Dr. Mark Barnes, to ensure the best results. Talk to your Boulder, CO dentist, Dr. Barnes, for more information on how sedation dentistry may help you with your next dental procedure. Sedation is not for everyone, but with a proper consultation, your dentist will provide you with a proper treatment plan.
Dr. Mark Barnes, sedation dentist in Boulder, has been practicing dental health care for 24 years with an emphasis on personalized attention for general family dentistry, Boulder TMJ treatment, and sleep apnea and snoring. Dr. Barnes also offers sedation for anxiety or complex dental care.
|
