IV Sedation and Acute Dental Visit Anxiety

To ease anxiety, dentistry has developed sedation methods that help patients relax during dental treatment.

Did you know 50% of people admit to some form of anxiety visiting the dentist, with roughly 1 in 6 avoiding dental care altogether because of it? To ease anxiety, dentistry has developed sedation methods that help patients relax during dental treatment.

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Julie M.

Outstanding dental services are available here! If you're looking for dentists and support personnel who really care, look no further.

Floyd L. C.

I have been going here for 30 years and the extra care they take is outstanding.

LW

My dental hygienist is Laina and I can’t say enough nice things about her, along with everyone else who works at The Dental Anesthesia Center. Laina is polite, patient, makes sure I am comfortable throughout the entire appointment, and answers all my questions thoroughly. The two dentists I have seen there have also been great (Behl and Thoms). Everyone there works together to create a kind, peaceful atmosphere. I never feel like I am bothering them with questions or rushed through my appointment, even though they are booked all day. I really love this about them and I hope it never changes! To run such a ‘tight ship’ AND provide patient and top notch care at a place most people feel uneasy, seems like an impossible feat, but somehow they do it. And they all do it seamlessly!!! So grateful I found this place which I highly recommend.

Wendy S.

We have a special needs child that gets wonderful care by Dr Hoffmann and his staff. They do remarkable dentistry for those that require extra time and care. We are grateful to have this type of dentistry in our state and available for our daughter's needs.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review and kind words. We’re grateful for the trust families place in our team and are honored to provide compassionate, individualized care. Your support means so much to us.

Cindy P.

The staff were very kind to my daughter and immediately put her at ease.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! We’re so glad our team could help create a welcoming and comforting experience. We truly appreciate your feedback!

Types of Sedation Dentistry

Many can achieve relaxation with an oral sedative taken about an hour before a visit. , some with acute anxiety may need deeper sedation through an intravenous (IV) injection of medication. Unlike general anesthesia, which achieves complete unconsciousness to block pain, IV sedation reduces consciousness to a controllable level. Patients aren’t so much “asleep” as in a “semi-awake” state that’s safe and effective for reducing anxiety.

While there are various IV medications, the most popular for dental offices are the benzodiazepines, most often Midazolam (Versed). Benzodiazepines act quickly and wear off faster than similar drugs and have a good amnesic effect (you won’t recall details while under its influence). While relatively safe, they shouldn’t be used with individuals with poor liver function because of their adverse interaction with liver enzymes.

Other drugs or substances are often used in conjunction with IV sedation. Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) may be introduced initially to help with anxiety over the IV needle stick. Sometimes, pain-reducing drugs like Fentanyl may be added to the IV solution to boost the sedative effect and reduce the primary drug’s amount.

If we recommend IV sedation for your dental treatment, there are some things you should do to help the procedure go smoothly and safely. Because the after-effects of sedation may impair your driving ability, be sure you have someone with you to take you home. Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight the day before your appointment, and consult with both your physician and dentist about taking any prescription medication beforehand. Wear loose, comfortable clothing, and don’t wear contact lenses or oral appliances like dentures or retainers, watches, or other jewelry.

The Dental Anesthesia Center

Our top priority is safety. We follow strict standards and protocols regarding IV sedation, and you’ll be carefully monitored before, during, and after your procedure. Performed with the utmost care, IV sedation could make your next dental procedure pleasant and uneventful and improve your oral health.