Many people experience nervousness when going to the dentist. Although common, it can be unpleasant. Worse, it may prevent some patients from getting much-needed dental care, including dental implants.

At the Cleveland Implant Institute, Dr. Mike offers sedation dentistry to ease your anxiety. Rather than staying awake during your procedure, you can drift off into a semi-conscious state. You’ll wake up when the work is finished—in fact, you may not even realize any time has passed. It’s a great way to stay calm and comfortable while receiving necessary dental treatment.

Is sedation dentistry right for you?

IV sedation dentistry

There are several ways patients can try sedation, ranging from oral medications to intravenous sedation. At the Cleveland Implant Institute, we can help you relax with sedatives delivered through an IV. IVs work faster than ingested sedatives, since they’re delivered directly into the bloodstream. The medication is constantly monitored during your dental implant appointment, and adjustments can be made if necessary.

Unlike general anesthesia, which is often used in medical surgeries, IV sedation dentistry does not put you to sleep, completely. You may be semi-aware of what’s happening, and able to respond to verbal commands or touch. Rest assured, even in this semi-conscious state, you will not feel any stress or anxiety. You’ll simply relax while Dr. Mike works to give you a beautiful smile. When paired with local anesthetics, the entire experience may just be the easiest dental experience of your life.

What you need to know

Before pursuing sedation dentistry, read the following tips. Dr. Mike will be happy to answer all of your sedation dentistry questions at your next appointment.

• We’ll evaluate whether you’re a good candidate: Before you can undergo any kind of sedation dentistry, it’s important to determine whether you’re a good candidate. We’ll evaluate any risk factors by asking about your complete dental and medical history. Age, medical conditions, smoking or alcohol consumption may affect whether it’s safe to try sedation dentistry. Alternatively, Dr. Mike may recommend a different type of sedation.
• You may not remember the procedure: Although you’re semi-conscious, you may not actually remember the procedure at all. For the vast majority of patients, this is a positive side effect of sedation dentistry.
• Local anesthetics are delivered after you’re “asleep”: If you have anxiety around needles, no need to fear. Local anesthetics are given after the sedative has taken effect—again, you may not even remember this after the procedure is over.
• It’s safe and effective: Because we take a complete medical history, you can rest assured that your IV sedation experience will be safe, comfortable and effective. Patients who struggle with anxiety are more likely to avoid necessary dental care. This can exacerbate oral and overall health problems. Sedation dentistry is the perfect way to conquer your nervousness and ensure a pleasant experience.

We’d love to discuss IV sedation with you, and determine whether you’re a good candidate. Call the Cleveland Implant Institute today to schedule an appointment, and we’ll help you finally achieve that healthy smile.