Many patients suffer from dental anxiety whether it be in the lead up to their appointment or at their appointment. There could be many reasons for this, such as a fear of needles, feeling too self-conscious or even a past dental experience that has caused a traumatic experience.
Dental anxiety isn’t something to be too concerned about, and you’re not alone in suffering from this, but if you don’t visit the dentist owing to dental anxiety, your oral health is in danger of degrading quickly.
Modern dentistry hashttps://www.hillsdentalpennanthills.com.au/anxious-patients/ introduced some sedation options that can help manage your dental anxiety at your appointment; IV Sedation vs General Anesthesia.
Patients in the past have been confused with IV Sedation vs General Anesthesia. Whilst both are a form of anesthesia and both have their benefits, they are different in terms of how they’re provided.
Let’s take a closer look at both options of IV Sedation vs General Anesthesia.
What is IV Sedation?
IV Sedation is a type of anesthesia, or drug, that stops you from feeling any pain. IV Sedation is administered through one of your veins through a tube. When administered, you will be consciously sedated, meaning you’ll still be consciously aware of your surroundings and you’ll be able to communicate with the dentist, but it’s like that you won’t have any recollection of the procedure once the sedation wears off.
What Does IV Sedation Do?
IV Sedation is designed to deliver a sedation effect and are likely to be felt immediately after its given. During treatment, you will remain conscious and you’re unlikely to feel much touch and feel. IV Sedation has a shorter recovery time in comparison to general anesthesia, meaning it’ll wear off shortly after treatment. Although, IV Sedation has a higher sedative level and is the recommended option if you have a low tolerance to treatment or medication.
When Should IV Sedation Be Used?
IV Sedation should be considered for oral surgery treatments such as reconstructive treatments like dental implants and wisdom tooth extractions. Although, it isn’t just limited to treatments. You may suffer from extreme anxiety even at the thought of being in a dentist’s environment. IV Sedation would be recommended for less invasive dental treatments as well to help get you through your visit.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
IV Sedation is, of course, optional. Certain medications do not mix with IV Sedation, such as allergies pregnancy or CNS depression.
What Is General Anesthesia?
General anesthesia is a procedure that makes you unconscious. This means that your sensations are unlikely to be felt and you’ll be unable to respond during a procedure. This also means you’re unlikely to experience any pain.
When Should General Anesthesia Be Used?
Those suffering from extreme dental anxiety would naturally consider general anesthesia. If you’re a high tolerance to treatment or medication, then general anesthesia is recommended. Anxiety can also mean that you struggle to communicate with the dentist, and you’d prefer to get the procedure completed quickly.
General anesthesia is typically used for procedures such as wisdom tooth extraction.
Is General Anesthesia Safe?
Certain allergies such as diabetes and seizures will cause a bad reaction if you have general anesthesia. It is also not recommended if you have drug allergies, or if you smoke.
Other Considerations…
It is important to note that when visiting the dentist for sedative treatment, it is recommended you have somebody accompany you to the dentist. Do not drive back if you’ve had sedation treatment as it will take some time for the treatment to wear off after treatment.
The dentist will be more than happy to talk about any concerns that you may have before your appointment. You can contact our dentist in Quakers Hills, Hills Dental Design, for any dental queries or dental treatments.