There are several other common options for sedation dentistry, beyond IV sedation. Yet if you’re looking for a new dentist, you may find that IV sedation is the most popular option. So what makes IV sedation better than the other common options for sedation dentistry you may have encountered? Take a look at the benefits of IV sedation and find out how other sedation options stack up against it.
IV Sedation
Administered straight into the bloodstream through an IV line, IV sedation is one of the fastest means of delivering a sedative. Typically, benzodiazepines, such as valium, are used in IV sedation.
These are some of the top benefits of IV sedation:
- Fast onset – because it’s administered through an IV line, IV sedation works fast. So opting for IV sedation won’t significantly increase the time you spend at the dentist’s office.
- Precision dosage – because it’s administered directly into the bloodstream, your doctor can deliver a precise dosage with predictable outcomes.
Oral Sedation
For those with a fear of needles, IV sedation may not be an option. Some dental offices will offer oral sedation as an alternative. However, going with an oral sedative will increase the amount of time you spend in the dentist’s office because it’ll take time for the pill to dissolve in your stomach and its effects to kick in.
Nitrous Oxide Gas
Commonly referred to as laughing gas, nitrous oxide gas is administered through a mask. The effects are felt fast, though it may be more difficult to deliver as precise of a dosage as you could achieve with IV sedation.
How They All Compare
For the fasted acting, most precise dosage, IV sedation is the way to go. It acts faster than sedatives taken orally and it’s more precise than nitrous oxide gas.
The needle may be a sticking point for some people, no pun intended, but local anesthetics are often used to numb the injection site so that the process is relatively painless in more ways than one.
More on Sedation Dentistry in Brownstown, MI
Reserve an appointment with a local dentist to learn more about your options for sedation dentistry in Brownstown, MI.