Sedation Dentistry St Louis – IV Sedation
When you come in for your appointment, we will decide which level is best for your needs.
It is important to understand that you are NOT asleep for Intravenous Conscious Sedation. You remain conscious during IV Conscious Sedation. IV Conscious Sedation involves administering drugs (medications) that calm patients, creating a drowsy, “sleep-like” state. Simply meaning, Conscious Sedation patients are:
- Conscious
- Can breathe on their own
- Can respond to questions
IV Conscious Sedation stimulates deep relaxation and a sensation of not being concerned with what’s happening. During Intravenous Conscious Sedation (IV sedation), a drug, usually an anti-anxiety medication, is administered into the blood system during dental treatment. IV Conscious Sedation and Oral Sedation can be called “Sedation Dentistry.”
Sedated patients are conscious, can breathe independently, and can respond to questions. Remember, you are NOT asleep for IV Conscious Sedation Dentistry. A dentist must receive two days of additional training when administering pills orally. Intravenous (IV) Sedation requires at least 60 hours of training, or a dentist can be trained in a residency program.
The methods of sedation can be achieved by:
- Administrating oral medications
- Intravenous medications
- Nitrous Oxide “laughing gas”
Using the lightest level of sedation is minimal sedation. It involves a mild sedative, such as a Valium-like medication or Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas.) This kind of sedation requires no additional training for the dentist.
When you visit for your appointment, Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms, or Dr. Behl will decide which level is best for you. We look forward to meeting you. Call us at (314) 862-7844, and one of our friendly team members will happily speak with you.
Who Can Benefit From Sleep Dentistry and Sedation Dentistry?
Patients With:
- Fear and Anxiety: Nearly half of the people with dental problems avoid dental care because of their fears and anxiety. Modern, safe anesthesia techniques allow the fearful patient to have dental procedures accomplished without the anxiety associated with dentistry.
- Low Pain Threshold: People perceive pain differently. Some individuals have difficulty getting numb. General anesthesia and sedation techniques can alter this perception, and patients can be virtually pain-free during treatment.
- Sensitive Gag Reflex: Some patients may suffer from a severe gag reflex and cannot have dental care completed using local anesthetic. Using anesthesia services can eliminate the problems caused by an active gag reflex.
- Extensive Treatment: Completing dental treatment under general anesthesia can eliminate the need for multiple visits.
Patients with special needs:
- Special Needs: Individuals with physical or mental disabilities can achieve complete dental care in a comfortable setting. Sleep dentistry provides a safe and effective way for special needs patients to receive the dental treatment they need. Patients can have a complete exam, a full mouth series of x-rays (pictures of teeth), and a thorough cleaning while under general anesthesia.
- Young Children: Children who are experiencing anxiety and are unable to cooperate for necessary dental treatment can benefit from anesthesia services.
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The only board-certified dental anesthesiologist in Missouri, including St. Louis.
What to Expect From IV Sedation for Dental Treatment
Many dental procedures can be lengthy and cause stress for patients, especially those who are suffering from dental anxiety. Small children, patients who cannot stay still for long because of other conditions, or patients with anxiety can all benefit from sedation dentistry. It allows them to go through the necessary procedures without stress or discomfort.
The Different Types of Dental Sedation
There are different types of sedation used in dental medicine, and they vary in intensity, ways of administration and the effects they have. We will list the main types of dental sedation, ordered by the intensity:
- Laughing gas (nitrous oxide) is administered through a breathing mask. Its effects last very shortly, wearing off immediately after the procedure. It allows the patient to drive themselves home.
- Oral sedation is administered in the form of pills, which need to be taken at a certain time before the procedure. It leaves the patient conscious and able to answer questions and interact with the doctors but not able to drive themselves afterward.
- IV sedation is administered intravenously and provides maximum comfort for the patient, who won’t remember much of the procedure.
- General anesthesia leaves the patient unconscious and unable to move, and it is reserved for more serious cases.
Your St. Louis sedation dentist will discuss your medical history and the procedure with you prior to the procedure and decide which type of sedation is best for you.
How to Prepare for IV Sedation and What to Expect?
Making sure you follow the doctor’s instructions closely before and after the procedure will keep the risks under control. Generally, you need to follow a few simple rules that will make the procedure and the IV sedation comfortable and minimally invasive:
- Don’t drink or eat anything for 6-8 hours before your appointment.
- Don’t take any medicine not pre-approved by your St. Louis sedation dentist, as it might interfere with the medication.
- Get someone to drive you home after the procedure and monitor you for a few hours after the sedation.
- Wear comfortable clothing and remove any accessories like jewelry, belts, etc.
St. Louis Dental Sedation
At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we value our patient relationships, prioritizing delivering the gentle dental care you and your family deserve. We work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.
When you visit for your appointment, Dr. Hoffmann or Dr. Thoms will decide which level is best for you. We look forward to meeting you!
Call Us Today
The only board-certified dental anesthesiologist in Missouri, including St. Louis.