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Dental fears sometimes keep patients away from the dentist, and even if they visit routinely, they may steer away from procedures like cosmetic dentistry. However, with IV sedation dentistry, you can have the smile you want and stay relaxed through the entire process! No pain or stress, but plenty of gains!

How IV Sedation Works

The procedure has multiple steps and will require your dentist to examine you first.

Consultation and Pre-Op Preparations

The process begins with a consultation. During this appointment, you discuss what you want to achieve in terms of improving your smile. Your dentist then determines the ideal treatment for you and will evaluate your oral and overall health to make sure you qualify.

At the consultation or one of your pre-op appointments, your dentist will discuss the option of IV sedation dentistry. Your dentist will take into consideration your medical history to ensure this option is safe for you.

If you’re having a procedure done that requires a crown or veneer, your dentist will usually schedule a future appointment to create the dental restoration.

During the Procedure

At the start of the procedure, you’ll receive an IV in the arm. The fluid will consist of a sedative, which is a medication that will make you drowsy. When you receive this type of medication through an IV, the effects occur quickly. Soon after it becomes effective, your procedure will begin. Your dentist will control the level of sedation during the procedure, so you are relaxed throughout it.

You’ll receive enough sedation that you’re relaxed and unaware of what’s going on during the procedure but still able to respond, if necessary. You could also undergo deep sedation, which is when you’re on the brink of unconsciousness. You remain asleep during the procedure, but the dentist could wake you up quickly, if needed.

After the Procedure

After the procedure, you’ll feel a bit groggy. You’ll need to have someone drive you home from the dentist’s office. You should take the rest of the day off from work, because some sedatives’ effects can last several hours. Your dentist will give you written instructions on how to take care of yourself after the procedure. Make sure to follow the directions carefully.

Cosmetic Procedures That a Dentist Can Perform Under IV Sedation

Your dentist can perform dental crowns with sedation dentistry. This procedure consists of your dentist placing a tooth-shaped shell over a tooth to correct severe decay or issues with a tooth’s color, shape, or size.

You can also choose to get veneers, which are thin coverings that your dentist adheres to the front of your tooth to improve the color, shape, or size. Your dentist can also use a veneer if you have a crack or chip in a tooth.

Your dentist can also perform dental implant surgery under IV sedation. This is a multiple-step procedure though, so you’ll need more than one appointment to complete it.

Teeth whitening is another aesthetic procedure, and you may receive it under IV sedation if you’re having other procedures performed, as well. Teeth whitening consists of your dentist applying a hydrogen peroxide solution on your teeth and then applying light to activate it.

Choose Dr. Soto, DDS, Cosmetic Dentist in Plantation, FL

We recognize that some people have dental phobias, and that’s why we offer sedation dentistry to patients in Pembroke Pines and the nearby areas for both cosmetic and oral health purposes. Dr. Ernie Soto goes above and beyond to keep patients smiling and enjoying a beautiful, healthy smile.

Book an appointment with Dr. Ernie Soto, serving Plantation and the surrounding region, to get the perfect cosmetic dentistry plan for you. Call us at 954-368-6264, or use our online appointment request tool.