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Many people are afraid of going to the dentist. They don’t like the sound of the drills, or the smells of the medications and compounds. But, most of all, they are afraid of experiencing pain and discomfort while the dentist is working on their mouth. If you experience anxiety and tension while sitting in the dentist’s chair, you might consider sedation, or sleep dentistry.

Sedation Dentistry Provides Relaxing and Anxiety-Free Dental Visits

Sedation dentistry, or sleep dentistry, is used to provide a relaxing, and anxiety-free experience for certain patients. Specially trained dentists understand that for far too many people, a dental appointment presents special challenges. These patients find their fear and anxiety so overwhelming that it complicates their access to essential dental treatment. They simply do not go to the dentist. The impact on oral health, and the suffering they endure when they avoid necessary dental treatment, can be devastating, and endangers the patient’s dental and overall health.

Sedation dentistry allows individuals to go to the dentist to receive the dental care they need, while avoiding the common apprehension known as “dental phobia”. Dentists who practice sedation dentistry want to create a safe and comfortable dental experience for their patients.

What Happens During IV Sedation Dental Appointments?

At an IV sedation dentistry appointment, the dentist will administer anesthesia medication intravenously (IV) through a catheter (plastic tube). The goal is for the dentist to administer just enough medication so that the treatment can be completed comfortably. The medication will constantly drip slowly into the catheter, maintaining a stable amount of sedation. At any time, an antidote can be administered to reverse the effects of the anesthesia, should there be any unexpected reactions to the medication. Conscious IV sedation is considered very safe and effective. The anesthesia’s effects are much faster than oral sedation medications, and the dosage is tailored to each individual according to their need and desire.

IV Sedation Dentistry provides many advantages. Some include:

• Fast acting
• Effective and efficient treatment
• Moderate to significant pain control
• Moderate to significant control of gag reflexes
• Easy control of the medication dosage for a predictable level of comfort.

One of the most important things you must keep in mind when looking for an IV sedation dentist is that they must receive specialized training, and be board certified to perform this special type of dentistry. It is also helpful to find a dentist who is very familiar with the technique due to having practiced sedation dentistry for many years.

If you think sedation dentistry might be for you, call (954) 228-6714 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ernie Soto in Plantation, FL.  Dr. Soto is certified in IV sedation, making him one of a limited number of dentists licensed by the State of Florida to provide anesthesia. Discover how sedation dentistry can allow you to visit the dentist without fear or anxiety, so you can improve your dental function and overall good health.