As an oral and maxillofacial surgery specialty practice, it is often necessary for patients to receive some form of anesthesia during their treatments. Anesthesia and sedation help patients relax, block out sensations of pain, and sometimes put patients to sleep so they don’t even remember their surgeries. Our oral surgeons are trained and certified to offer advanced IV sedation to give patients the ultimate in gentle, pain- and anxiety-free procedures. IV sedation is often used for complex surgeries like those we perform at our office, but some patients with extreme dental fears or anxieties may opt to receive this sedation for treatments like tooth extractions, gum grafting or crown lengthening.
When receiving IV sedation, the sedatives are administered directly into your veins and bloodstream. This makes the sedation fast-acting and potent, putting patients into a relaxed, sleep-like state quickly. Our surgeons are certified to administer IV sedation, so you can expect safe, monitored treatment the entire time you receive care. Most patients remember little to nothing about their treatments or surgeries after undergoing IV sedation, “waking up” to a healthy new smile!
For procedures that do not require IV sedation, we also offer oral sedation pills and local anesthetic options. Oral sedation is a form of anesthesia that puts patients in a dream-like, relaxed state. Most patients are awake throughout their treatment, but do not remember much of it. Local anesthetic is often combined with oral and IV sedation to block sensations of pain or discomfort from the locations of the mouth where your treatment will take place. With our anesthesia options, there really is no reason to fear your treatments!
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IV Sedation Dentistry offers a variety of benefits that make it an attractive option for many patients. One of the most significant advantages is the ability to undergo complex dental procedures in a more relaxed and comfortable state. IV sedation allows patients to remain conscious but in a deeply relaxed state, often with little to no memory of the procedure afterward.
This form of sedation is also highly adjustable, enabling Dr. Krakora at Western Pennsylvania Oral Maxillofacial Surgery to modify the level of sedation to meet the specific needs of each patient. IV sedation also takes effect rapidly, ensuring that patients are comfortable and relaxed promptly.
Moreover, IV sedation can help patients who have a low pain threshold, can’t sit still in the dentist’s chair, have sensitive teeth, have a bad gag reflex, or need a large amount of dental work completed. It’s also beneficial for individuals who have a fear of dental procedures, helping to alleviate anxiety and make the overall experience more pleasant.
Most patients are good candidates for sedation dentistry. However, it’s essential to have a thorough consultation with Dr. Krakora to discuss your medical history and any potential risks. Ideal candidates for sedation dentistry are individuals who have dental anxiety or phobia, have a low pain threshold, require extensive dental work, or have had traumatic dental experiences in the past.
Patients with certain medical conditions or who are taking specific medications may not be suitable candidates for sedation. Dr. Krakora will thoroughly review your health history and discuss any potential concerns before deciding if sedation dentistry is the right choice for you.
Dental anxiety is a common issue that can prevent many individuals from seeking the dental care they need. Sedation dentistry, particularly IV sedation, can be a game-changer for these individuals.
IV sedation induces a state of deep relaxation and a feeling of not being bothered about what’s going on. The drugs used for IV sedation produce either partial or full memory loss (amnesia) for the period when the drug first kicks in until it wears off. As a result, time will appear to pass very quickly, and you will not recall much, if anything, about the procedure. This can be a significant benefit for patients who suffer from severe dental anxiety.
During your IV sedation appointment, a small needle will be inserted into your vein, usually on the top of your hand. The sedative is then administered through this intravenous line, allowing it to take effect quickly. You will begin to feel relaxed and drowsy, but you will remain conscious and able to respond to verbal cues from Dr. Krakora
Throughout the procedure, your vital signs will be closely monitored to ensure your safety. While you may feel drowsy after the procedure, this will wear off relatively quickly. However, you will need someone to drive you home after your appointment, as it can take several hours for the full effects of the sedation to wear off.
Remember, Dr. Krakora and the team at Western Pennsylvania Oral Maxillofacial Surgery are here to ensure your comfort and safety during your dental procedures. If you have any more questions or concerns about IV sedation, don’t hesitate to reach out and discuss them with us.
