A person with closed eyes lies on a chair, wearing a blue and white nasal mask while a gloved hand adjusts the device.

Sedation Dentistry – Who Is the Best Candidate?

Many people feel uncomfortable about dental treatments. Sedation dentistry in Indianapolis, IN, involves providing various types of sedatives to make dental treatments more comfortable. Find out who is the best candidate for sedation dentistry below.

Adults with Severe Dental Anxiety

Roughly one-third of adult patients have anxiety about dental treatments, and some have fear so extreme that they often avoid dental treatment altogether. For example, a patient with severe decay or tooth pain may continue to suffer or allow their oral health to deteriorate due to their fear of treatment. Sedation dentistry provides these patients with a more comfortable way to receive the treatment they need.

Children with Fear of the Dentist

Children, especially very young children, often lack the emotional and cognitive ability to understand what is taking place when they visit a dentist for treatment. Therefore, when a child is especially anxious or afraid of receiving treatment, it can make the process more challenging. Therefore, some level of mild sedation, like nitrous oxide (laughing gas), may be recommended.

All Patients with Extensive Treatment Needs

Sometimes, IV sedation is necessary when a patient has extensive treatment needs or the treatment will take a long time. For example, if multiple teeth must be extracted or the teeth are broken below the gum line, it can be more comfortable for the patient to be sedated during treatment. Without sedation, the patient may have to be treated more than once with localized injections. Sedation is also common for more intensive procedures, such as wisdom tooth removal surgery.

Talk to an Indianapolis Dentist About Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry can help ensure patients get the treatment they need from an Indianapolis dentist. If you have questions about sedation dentistry, reach out to the team at Indiana Emergency Dental for insight.

A child receives dental treatment while wearing a nitrous oxide mask; a dental professional wearing gloves uses dental tools.

Is IV Sedation More Effective?

IV sedation is an option at many dentists’ offices today. This is offered not just because dental care can be anxiety-provoking for many people, but because the administration can make the procedure faster for everyone to get through. This not only helps the appointment go by quicker, it can also mean less recovery time. If you’re wondering if IV sedation is more effective than, say, oral sedation or nitrous oxide(laughing gas), we’ll look at what you should know.

Direct Administration

IV sedation in Indianapolis, IN delivers medication directly into the bloodstream, which means that it takes effect faster and tends to be more consistent than other types of medication. It’s typically best for moderate to deep sedation, meaning that it’s not necessarily to put you to sleep. You can work with a dentist to determine the exact dosage that you want, so you’re comfortable with both the IV sedation procedure and whatever procedure is set to follow.

When Do I Need IV Sedation in Indianapolis, IN?

IV sedation is different for every patient, depending on what they’re getting done and what their relationship is with the dentist. Some people will only ask for it if they’re having a particularly involved procedure. Others will want it for even just a simple cleaning. It’s important not to avoid dental care, no matter how nervous you are at the dentist. IV sedation may be an extra step for many people, but it’s a step that can help them get the preventative care they need to maintain their oral health.

If you’re looking for a dentist in Indianapolis, IN that offers treatments that go above and beyond for their patients, the team at Indiana Emergency Dental offers everything you need — no matter how nerve-wracking your treatment plan looks to you.