At Waterfront Dental, Dr. Dawn Merguerian offers a variety of sedation dentistry options for patients with dental anxiety, or who wish to feel more calm and relaxed during their next appointment, and this includes IV sedation.
But is IV sedation safe? Is it right for you? In this blog, we’ll break down the basics and benefits of IV sedation at our office, and give you the answers you need.
First, it’s important to clear up a common misconception. IV sedation is not the same as general anesthesia. Though both treatments use IVs, they are very different, and general anesthesia is rarely used by dentists.
General anesthesia usually uses a combination of gas and IV drugs to render you completely unconscious. You will not be able to “wake up” until your treatment is reversed. You will also require the help of a breathing machine to breathe properly. This makes it harder to perform surgery on your teeth, which is one of the reasons why dentists prefer to avoid using general anesthesia.
This is not true of IV sedation. IV sedation only uses an IV, and is done using the same anti-anxiety drugs used for oral (pill-based) sedation. The big difference is that since the drugs are injected into your bloodstream with an IV rather than digested, they have deeper, faster effects.
With IV sedation, you continue to breathe on your own. And while you usually will fall asleep and forget what happens, it’s possible for you to respond to commands from the dentist. This makes it particularly popular for more invasive dental procedures like tooth extractions.
So, is IV sedation safe? The answer is an unequivocal “yes.” IV sedation at Waterfront Dental is extremely safe. The drugs used for IV sedation have been used in dentistry for decades, and complications are extraordinarily rare, and are rarely severe.
Not only that, but Dr. Dawn Merguerian has years of experience administering IV sedation. She and her dental team will keep an eye on you throughout your treatment and ensure that you get the best possible care.
In addition to this, Dr. Merguerian will always discuss your health history, medications and supplements you're taking, and other information to ensure that IV sedation is safe for you. Your safety and comfort are always our top concern.
IV sedation isn’t your online option, either. We also offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and pill-based sedation at Waterfront Dental. You can discuss all of your options with Dr. Merguerian, and choose the sedation method that’s right for your preferences.
IV sedation is a great way to rest and relax during your next dental visit. If you’re interested in the benefits of IV sedation dentistry in Baltimore, don’t wait. Contact Waterfront Dental online or give us a call at (410) 505-0551 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Merguerian today.
