Anxiety induced by dental visits is more common than you may think. Approximately 36% of people experience fear regarding dental treatment, with 12% having an extreme fear. Some of this anxiety is simply caused by being required to lie down and open your mouth for a procedure. This fear is called dentophobia, which often stems from past negative experiences at the dental office.
Problems arise when people who can’t overcome their fear of the dentist avoid much-needed dental treatment. This is where oral and IV sedation can help. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of oral and IV sedation so you can decide which is right for you.
Understanding Oral and IV Sedation
Unfortunately, people dealing with anxiety about the dentist often avoid necessary dental work altogether. That’s where oral or IV sedation comes in as a safe and easy solution!
Oral sedation involves taking a pill before your visit, while IV sedation involves receiving medication through your veins. Let’s take a closer look at both options.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is for people with mild to moderate anxiety who want to calm their fears of dental procedures. Conscious oral sedation in dentistry is a drug-induced settling of consciousness wherein patients still retain their ability to maintain protective reflexes and respond to verbal or light-pressure stimuli. Due to its anxiolytic effects, oral sedation effectively makes dental treatments accessible to nervous patients.
| PROs | CONs |
|---|---|
| Easy to administer. | Sedation level is not easily adjustable. |
| No needles are required. | Can’t drive to appointments. |
| Patients can be responsive. | |
| Induces relaxation and alleviates anxiety without rendering the patient unconscious. | |
| FDA regulated. |
With oral sedation, patients do become unconscious. Instead, there are two levels of sedation: minimal, where the patient is relaxed and awake, or moderate, where the patient may fall asleep and not fully remember the procedure. While it’s convenient and non-invasive, the effects have a longer onset time than IV sedation, and there is less control of the sedation itself.
In most cases, food and water should not be consumed for at least 6 hours before your appointment. You will need a trusted friend or family member drive you home after the procedure is over. Rest is encouraged until the sedative medication wears off.
IV Sedation
On the other hand, IV sedation is for people with more severe anxiety or who are undergoing longer dental procedures. The American Society of Anesthesiologists explains sedation as being used by physicians to ensure patients are comfortable during surgery or longer procedures.
| PROs | CONs |
|---|---|
| Adjustable sedation. | IV administration can be hard for those with a needle aversion. |
| Quick onset and recovery. | May cause nausea or vomiting. |
| Induces relaxation and alleviates anxiety without rendering the patient completely unconscious. | |
| FDA regulated. |
IV sedation isn’t anesthesia that knocks you out but rather an IV-administered analgesic that may range from minimal to deep sedation. Moreover, it’s administered in the dentist’s office to a patient’s vein right before treatment.
The effect is quick, and the level of sedation is easily adjustable while having an amnesiac effect. Like oral sedation, it does require a recovery period.
The three levels of sedation are as follows:
- Minimal: Minimal sedation will help you relax and remain awake. Your dentist will be able to talk with you, and you’ll be able to respond and follow directions.
- Moderate: Moderate sedation will produce drowsiness which may cause you to fall asleep during the procedure. You may forget the procedure altogether and sleep for most if not all of it.
- Deep: With deep sedation, you’ll sleep throughout the procedure and likely have no memory of it. You won’t be completely unconscious, but you will experience the effects of being “knocked out.”
Choosing the Right Sedation for You
If your anxiety level is on the lower side, oral sedation may be a great solution for you. However, if have more severe anxiety about dental procedures, have a longer procedure, and don’t mind needles, IV sedation may be recommended.
Ultimately, both have advantages and disadvantages. Dr. Sherberg will discuss your needs and treatment to come up with the perfect sedation solution for you.
Choose Bayway Dental in St. Petersberg
Both oral and IV dental sedation have allowed so many of our patients to overcome their fears of the dentist. Our sedation expertise helps people overcome dental anxiety every day.
Our team is committed to bringing a personalized, compassionate approach to each patient. Quality patient care and safety are our top concerns. We even have Mare, our therapy dog, to help people overcome their fears and anxieties regarding dental procedures.
At Bayway, you’re sure to have a calm, comfortable dental experience.
Read some of our testimonials to learn about patients just like you who used to be terrified of the dentist!
Or schedule an appointment with us and take the first step towards overcoming your dental anxiety today. Call Dr. Sherberg in St. Pete at 727-914-2707.
We look forward to helping you discover your smile!
“As a senior who has suffered my entire life with debilitating fear of a dentist I am so very pleased to recommend Bayway Dental. The entire staff, everyone, is so kind, sympathetic, professional and they go out of their way to make you comfortable. The sedation process was easy and allowed me to have quite a bit of work done without any anxiety. I highly recommend Bayway Dental for all of your dental needs.”
~ Kathleen Bartz
“Great dentist who can provide exceptional care! If you are nervous about the dentist, he has options to help you relax and be comfortable!”
~ Walt Stinson
Learn about how Dorothy overcame her fears of the dentist and other smile back with the help of oral sedation:
