Sedation Dentistry
Intravenous Sedation (“Twilight Sedation”)
Our office offers our patients the option of Intravenous Sedation, also referred to as Dental Intravenous Anesthesia or “IV sedation”, for their dental treatment. Intravenous Sedation helps you to be comfortable and calm when undergoing dental procedures. It is designed to help undergo your dental procedures while you are very relaxed and help not remember those procedures that may be uncomfortable for you. IV sedation will essentially help alleviate the anxiety associated with your treatment. You will be comfortable, calm and relaxed.
If you choose the option of intravenous sedation, your IV sedation/anesthesia will be administered and monitored by a licensed provider, therefore eliminating the costly expense of having your treatment carried out in an operating room or same-day surgical facility.
How Is IV Sedation Administered
A thin needle will be introduced into a vein in your arm or hand. The needle will be attached to an intravenous tube through which medication will be given to help you relax and feel comfortable. At times, a vein may not be able to sustain a needle for the length of the procedure. In this case, the medications will be administered and the needle retrieved. Both scenarios will achieve the same desired level of conscious sedation. Patients with medical conditions and/or on specific drug regimens may only be lightly sedated.
The goal of IV sedation is to use as little medication as possible to complete treatment. With IV sedation, a constant “drip” is maintained via the intravenous tube. At any time, an antidote can be administered to reverse the effects of the medications if necessary. IV sedation is very safe!
With the ability to provide Nitrous Oxide, Oral Sedation, IV Sedation, or a combination of techniques, we can tailor the anesthesia to your needs. All are administered and monitored in the safety and comfort of our office environment.
Sedation dentistry is also a great option for the elderly, disabled, or simply- the fearful!
Sedation Dentistry for the Fearful
Dental phobia is a real, often overwhelming reality for thousands of people. Negative previous dental experiences, fear of needles or drills, and severe gag reflexes are just some of the reasons people feel extreme anxiety when thinking about visiting the dentist.
If you suffer from dental phobia, fear no more! At Legacy Dental, we are committed to understanding the very real nature of your fears. Not only will our staff treat you with delicacy and care, but IV sedation will allow you to experience dentistry in a safe and comfortable way.
Sedation Dentistry for the Elderly
As we age, our oral health becomes more important than ever. Periodontal disease can lead to bone and tooth loss, which affects nearly every part of our daily lives. To lead full and active lives, we need our teeth and gums. They allow us to enjoy food, support speech and good conversation, and facilitate digestion. Our doctors are dedicated to treating elderly patients with care and commitment to comfort and health.
Elderly patients as a group tend to avoid dental visits for a variety of reasons, including more pressing medical concerns, anxiety about treatment, transportation, or fixed incomes. Once their oral health has reached an unmanageable point, fear and embarrassment further keep these patients away from the dentist.
For elderly patients embarrassed or fearful of their current oral state, sedation dentistry provides the opportunity to treat these conditions while the patient remains relaxed.
Sedation Dentistry for the Disabled
It may be especially difficult for people with disabilities to obtain access to proper dental care. They must find a dentist who is skilled and compassionate, and who can provide services for which some dentists may not be qualified. At Legacy Dental, we provide the expertise and dedication to assisting special-needs patients necessary to ensuring great oral care for our patients.
Disabled patients may face added challenges in maintaining their oral health and may find it difficult to brush or floss regularly. They may also suffer a severe gag reflex or dry mouth as a result of medication. We have doctors skilled in anesthesia for special needs patients and can ease the fear of getting dental work completed.