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Calm Your Nerves with IV Sedation Dentistry

Dental anxiety affects up to 10-20% of people in the United States. Whether for a routine cleaning or a root canal, dental anxiety is very common. At Nahel Yanni, D.D.S. Family & Cosmetic Dentistry we want our patients to feel at ease and comfortable receiving our dental services to create the perfect smile. That’s why Dr. Yanni provides intravenous (IV) sedation dental services to our East Brunswick, New Jersey, patients to help ease their nerves. We find that this is the best way to alleviate severe nervousness during dental appointments, and it makes it easier for Dr. Yanni to complete the dental procedure he’s performing. While there are numerous types of sedation, we believe IV sedation dentistry is the most effective and safe form available to dental patients. If you feel anxious about going to the dentist, contact our team to learn more about our sedation dental services.

TYPES OF SEDATION

Sedation dentistry offers safe anesthesia methods to relax patients during procedures. Light, moderate and deep sedation levels relieve mild to severe anxiety and keep patients comfortable during long treatments. Select from these options:

  • Light sedationNitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is our most used gaseous anesthetic. Patients can enjoy a painless experience while remaining alert and remembering what happens during a procedure. We administer nitrous oxide with a mask worn over the nose, and the effects wear off quickly after treatment.
  • Moderate sedation: You can take oral sedatives — usually pills — about an hour before a dental procedure begins. The medications make you drowsy but awake throughout treatment, and they last for two to eight hours. Dentists typically use Halcion®, Valium® or other related benzodiazepine medications for lowering anxiety and toning down fear receptors in the brain for a calm, comfortable dental procedure.
  • Deep sedation: IV sedation offers the deepest form of conscious relaxation available at a dental office. Medication flows directly to your bloodstream with an IV line, and you won’t even remember the procedure. Dentists monitor your oxygen levels, heart rate and blood pressure during treatment.

What To Understand About IV Sedation Dentistry

There are some things to keep in mind when preparing for intravenous sedation dentistry. First of all, intravenous sedation is typically reserved for patients who are very anxious about their dental procedure. Contrary to popular belief, this form of sedation does not put you completely under. Instead, you will still be conscious but less aware of your surroundings. While some sedation methods include inhalation of nitrous oxide or sedatives in pill form, intravenous sedation is administered intravenously directly into your bloodstream. Lastly, there are some preparation techniques you’ll need to keep in mind before your appointment if you elect to use sedation. While sleep dentistry is a valuable tool for our patients, it does require more care. Before your appointment, be sure to follow these preparation guidelines:

  • Avoid eating or drinking any liquids for at least eight hours before your appointment. Dr. Nahel Yanni can further advise you on which foods and drinks are acceptable to consume.
  • Arrange for a ride home. Even though this form of sedation dentistry won’t make you completely unconscious, you will be too groggy to drive following your procedure. We also recommend scheduling the day off work as you won’t be able to do so after your appointment.
  • Inform Dr. Yanni of any prescription medications you currently take. He will let you know if there are any you need to forgo before the appointment. This is a crucial step and be sure to follow his instructions carefully.

EXPERIENCE A PAINLESS DENTIST VISIT WITH SEDATION DENTISTRY IN NEW JERSEY

So are you a candidate for IV sedation dentistry? Dr. Yanni, the sedation dentist, will walk you through the process and perform an examination. This procedure is perfect for patients who are too nervous about visiting the dentist otherwise, but it does come with side effects. Those in poor health or the elderly will be more likely to experience side effects from sedation dental procedures. Nahel Yanni, D.D.S. Family & Cosmetic Dentistry makes sure you understand those risks and advises you whether to use sedation or not. To learn more about IV sedation dentistry, give Nahel Yanni, D.D.S. Family & Cosmetic Dentistry a call today and schedule an appointment.

SEDATION DENTISTRY FAQS

Prepare for your dental visit by checking out these common questions and answers about sedation dentistry.

  • Which Sedation Method Should I Choose? An experienced dentist evaluates you at a consultation and determines the best option, depending on your level of anxiety and fear, your medical history, the extent of treatment and more.
  • What Are the Side Effects? Potential minor side effects include a dry mouth during or after the procedure, a minor headache or nausea, brief amnesia and grogginess.
  • Is It Safe for Children, and Can They Bring Items From Home for Comfort? Safety is the number one concern, and licensed dental professionals provide close monitoring during treatment. Kids can bring a blanket or stuffed animals to feel more at ease during procedures.
  • Will I Be Able to Drive After My Appointment? Patients receiving moderate and deep sedation should schedule someone else to drive them home and not drive for 24 hours after the treatment.
  • Will I Still Feel Some Pain During My Treatment? With sedation dentistry, you will most likely not feel discomfort during a procedure for a stress-free, relaxed experience.
  • Can IV Sedation Be Used for All Treatment Types? Dentists use sedation for minor, noninvasive and cosmetic procedures such as tooth extraction, canal therapy, dental implants, dental fillings, crown treatments, root canal therapy, teeth straightening, veneers, whitening, tooth replacements and smile makeovers.
  • Can Any Dentist Perform Sedation Dentistry? The New Jersey State Board of Dentistry requires 40 hours of university didactic training and 20 hours of training with approved courses every two years after obtaining a permit to administer oral conscious sedation to adults.

We’re Ready to Provide You with Comfortable Dental Care