Are you a Candidate For Sedation Dentistry?
If you have any of the following:
- Fear of dental treatment
- History of traumatic dental experiences
- Difficulty getting numb
- Very sensitive gag reflex or difficulty opening
- Extremely sensitive teeth
- Limited time to get your dental care completed
- Complex dental problems; or a need for surgery
- Above average disdain for “getting numb”
- Embarrassment about your teeth
- In denial of a dental problem until the pain is unbearable
- Have not received professional dental care in many years, perhaps decades
- Go from dentist to dentist, or doctors, to renew painkiller prescriptions for dental problems
- Often make and then cancel dental appointments
- Make numerous, lengthy phone calls to the dentist’s office
- Experience sweaty palms or find yourself gripping the armrests
…then yes, you are a candidate!
If you hate the noises, smells and tastes associated with dental care and offices and you can’t block them out (even in an office with many comfortable distractions), then you may want to experience “twilight sleep” while we do the work.
Recent research has indicated that the number one reason adults postpone needed dental care was fear! That’s right, not time, not money, but fear! Yet dental decay and periodontal disease do not take exceptions!
Finally, IV sedation is what we will discuss below this. It is the deepest of all three, and all of the docs at Falmouth Dental Arts are very comfortable working with the procedure.
IV Sedation
We work closely with an certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) with 7+ years of professional experience. He makes sure that you have a pleasant experience!
With safe and proven techniques, patients receive sedative drugs which work rapidly to create a relaxed state that is maintained and monitored throughout treatment. Beyond creating an optimal environment for you, the patient, dentistry with IV Sedation also allows us to complete multiple procedures in one appointment.
An IV is started by the anesthetist allowing all medications for relaxation to enter your body. You will not remember or be aware of any procedures or especially “getting numb.” You breathe on your own. This is not like the hospital anesthesia where a machine breathes for you.
Sedation Facts:
- It Really Works! You really can relax through your dental appointment.
- You will have little or no memory of the experience.
- You won’t remember any sounds or smells.
- You can relax for up to five to six hours after the IV sedation (or the anti-anxiety pill if you choose). The time you are relaxing will vary depending on your needed treatment and type of anesthesia delivered.
- Complex dental treatments that often require multiple appointments can often be done in as little as one or two! All while you relax.
- People who have difficulty getting numb will have no problem when relaxed.
- Sadation dentistry is a safe way to reduce the fatigue of extended dental treatment requiring long visits.
FAQ’s:
Will I feel any pain?
You will feel almost nothing! We even numb the back of your hand prior to starting the IV.
How long will I be relaxing?
Depending on your needs, from two to six hours. You will rest for 3-4 hours when you get home also, most likely.
Will someone need to accompany me?
Yes, due to the sedative effects of the medication, you will need someone to drive you to our office and home again.
Will I be monitored?
Yes, one of our team is always with you and your vital signs are constantly monitored during the entire visit. You are never alone.
Is IV Sedation safe?
In our office, the dentist’s anesthetist is ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certified and all of our doctors and all of their assisting staff are basic life support certified. IV Sedation, in the right hands is one of the safest ways to go for patients who need that “big extra” to make their dental experience comfortable, pain-free and have little or no memory of it. Call us at 207-781-5900 for more information.
