Sedation dentistry is a great option if you have fears of going to the dentist. You still might not be able to relax fully at the thought of being in the dentist’s chair, but sedation can help you to be a little less anxious. IV conscious sedation is used for patients who have moderate to significant anxiety about going to the dentist. Knowing what to expect can also help to ease your fears – here is some information on what you can expect before, during, and after your IV conscious sedation dentistry appointment.
Before
Your dentist will give you specific instructions to follow before the procedure. Generally, though, you will be asked to avoid eating or drinking 6 to 8 hours before the procedure and you’ll be asked to wear comfortable clothing. You should arrange to have someone pick you up and take you home afterwards. Your dentist will ask about your complete medical history and any medications you are on and will give you complete instructions to follow for when you go home.
During
IV conscious sedation doesn’t put you totally to sleep, but it does help you to relax, while still letting you talk to the dentist. You will have an IV placed into your hand or arm, and your dentist will monitor your breathing, pulse, and blood pressure to watch for any adverse effects.
After
You may feel sleepy for several hours after the procedure, but you won’t remember much about it. You should avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours. You should also avoid alcohol and unapproved medications.
It is important for your dental and overall health that you take good care of your teeth. However, if you’ve had a bad experience at the dentist in the past, the thought of going back can be quite terrifying. If you have fears of going to the dentist, Dr. Samuel Jirik and his staff want you to know that sedation dentistry may be the answer. IV conscious sedation is very safe and effective, but there are also other sedation options they can discuss with you. Call the office in Cabot, Arkansas, at (501) 843-9561 today for a consultation!
