Did you know 1 in 4 people in the UK have a fear of the dentist, making this one of the country’s most prevalent phobias. There is absolutely no need to be embarrassed about dental phobia and the technology to help you combat the phobia is better than ever: read on to find out more about IV sedation at Cornerhouse Dental.
Preparing for IV sedation
- Any routine medication can be taken at the usual times.
- Consume light meals and avoid any alcohol on the day of your treatment.
- Bring an able-bodied, responsible adult with you – you will not be able to undergo IV sedation without this person. They must be able to escort you home and look after you for the rest of the day.
What is involved during IV sedation?
A thin plastic tube known as a cannula will be placed into a vein, located on one of the back of your hands or into the arm. You will quickly feel relaxed and drowsy but still aware of your surroundings. Your dentist will attach a clip to the end of your finger which will monitor your oxygen levels and pulse. In addition to IV sedation, local anaesthetic will be administered though you will not be aware of this as it will be only once the IV sedation has taken effect. The length of time you are sedated depends on the type of treatment you are having – please ask your dentist for an estimate should you wish to know.
The effects and benefits of IV sedation
IV sedation induces a relaxed state though the patient will still be able to co-operate with and understand the dentist should they require them to open their mouth wider, for example. Sedation renders patients unaware of noises and smells that can otherwise trigger fears and anxieties. For this reason, many patients find their perception of the dentist changes and they do not need IV sedation for future treatment, as their confidence has grown. Older patients who lived through the clinical and uninviting practices of the 70s, 80s and 90s have found that IV sedation, along with the changes in practice environments and the nature of the equipment used, have changed the way their generation now see the dentist. IV sedation also has amnesic effects, meaning you will remember little or nothing of the procedure.
If you would like more information about sedation dentistry in Norwich, please do not hesitate to contact us here at Cornerhouse.
