Overview
At the Texas Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand that going to the dentist can be a source of anxiety for many people. Sedation dentistry, also known as sleep dentistry, utilizes sedatives to induce a tranquil state before or during dental treatments. This allows patients, like you, to remain at-ease during the dental procedure and enjoy a sense of well-being after the appointment.
With IV sedation, the sedative is administered intravenously and the strength of the dosage can be adjusted during your procedure. Like oral sedation, IV sedation is not an anesthetic; the anesthesia is administered after the sedative has taken effect. Our specially trained Dentists offer intravenous (IV) sedation to patients for some of our more complex dental procedures. If you would like to learn more about our sedation dentistry techniques, please call and schedule a consultation at our office located in The Woodlands, TX.
Reviews
Treatment
During a consultation, a patient will meet with the dentist to discuss their course of treatment, along with any fears or anxieties that a patient may have. The dentist will go over the sedation options, including IV sedation, which is considered a moderate form of sedation dentistry. If IV sedation is chosen, a thin needle will either be inserted in a vein, usually one in the patient’s hand or inner elbow. Within a few minutes of sedation, the patient will start to feel relaxed and their senses will be diminished, but the patient will be conscious throughout the process. Throughout the procedure, the dentist and other dental professionals will monitor the patient to make sure they are comfortable and not experiencing any negative side effects. The amount of sedation can be changed depending on the patient’s needs.
IV Sedation FAQs
Is It Covered By Insurance?
When IV sedation is elected by the patient, it is not covered by insurance. Our front office team will be happy to discuss cost details with you prior to your appointment.
How will I feel After?
Some patients report feeling nauseous after IV sedation, but the dentist can prescribe medication to alleviate this feeling. It’s also recommended that patients sleep the rest of the day, along with staying hydrated with plenty of water and clear liquids. By the next day, most patients can remember little, if anything, about the appointment due to IV sedation. It is important to note that the memory loss only applies to the actual dental appointment.
Can I Drive Myself home?
No. Even though each patients’ recovery can vary, most patients report feeling alert soon after the IV is halted with little to no pain. However, a patient should not drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours following the end of their dental procedure, so a companion must accompany the patient to the appointment to drive them home afterwards.
No More Dreading The Dentist
If you are dreading your next dental appointment because of the level of anxiety you experience, then IV sedation may be right for you. Simply call our office and we would be more than happy to schedule you for a consultation to go over your concerns and make sure that sedation is an appropriate option. Please do not put off needed dental work because of fear. We are here to help you make it through your treatment!