I.V. Sedation Dentistry in Spring, TX
For some patients fear of dental treatment has been an obstacle to receiving the oral procedures they require to enhance their appearance and achieve a greater level of overall health. For these patients requiring this additional layer of care, Dr. Graf works with several board-certified Dental Anesthesiologists. These individuals graduated from anesthesia residency programs after completing their Dental education.
The dental procedures are accomplished by Dr. Graf, but the sedation, delivery of medications, and monitoring of the patient’s level of sedation are all performed by the dental anesthesiologist. Patients experiencing I.V. sedation experience a feeling of being asleep, but are actually only extremely relaxed and comfortable. Our board-certified anesthesiologist will adjust the dosage of sedatives given to suit the individual needs of each patient.
How Does I.V. Sedation Work?
Relaxing sedative medications are delivered to the patient through an I.V. line usually in the arm or hand. The anesthesiologist will dial in the appropriate level of sedation to make the dental procedure a comfortable experience for the patient with anxiety or dental phobias.
What Are The Benefits of I.V. Sedation?
The most significant benefit of I.V. sedation is that it allows patients who suffer from dental phobias and anxiety to receive the dental care they require without the emotional trauma they may have experienced previously.
Best Candidates
Almost anyone with apprehension concerning dental treatment will greatly benefit from a much-reduced stress level while their dental treatment is being provided. This is especially true for patients with medical compromises such as high blood pressure, cardiac conditions, and other systemic ailments.
What to Expect
Our anesthesiologist will administer the sedative medications through a tiny catheter that usually is inserted into a vein in the back of the hand. Once delivery of the medications begins, patients feel the effect within minutes. Their experience is very similar to being asleep, but they are actually only deeply sedated. Dr. Graf can now perform the dental procedures our patient requires while our anesthesiologist is focused on keeping you comfortably and safely sedated.
Recovery Process
You will need to have someone drive you to your appointment and drive you home. It’s best to have someone at home for the first several hours after the procedure. Patients typically nap off and on for the remainder of the day as the medications gradually are metabolized out of their system. During this time it is best to rest and not attempt to do any tasks around the house.
Insurance Coverage
IV sedation may or may not be covered in part by your insurance provider. Prior to receiving the sedation, our financial team will contact your insurance company to determine any additional out-of-pocket costs. Houston Cosmetic & Family Dental Associates also provides financial planning and payment options to make treatment more affordable for most of our patients.
FAQs
Your oral health is extremely important to your overall health. If you have dental pain or discomfort that cannot be addressed with regular treatments, sedation dentistry may be the right choice for you.
Yes, sedation also relieves dental pain. However, the type of relief must be well thought out by the dentist. Over the counter medications such as Tylenol PM or Aleve should be avoided. Instead, look to pain relievers that are more potent but not habit forming like Percocet.
Yes, sedation dentistry is safe and all dentists must have completed a training program specific to the procedure they are performing. In addition to specialized training, s/he should be properly licensed, insured and certified by their dental board of directors.
You may feel some mild discomfort from your local anesthetic during sedation dentistry. The injection needle provides a mild numbing sensation that usually helps reduce the discomfort of tooth extraction.
Yes, sedation dentistry is the same as being unconscious. We administer general anesthesia to patients receiving procedures such as tooth extractions, crowns, and fillings.