Are You a Candidate for IV Sedation?

Patients in need of IV sedation have a lot of questions, but the most common one we’ve heard is how they would know if IV sedation is right for them. There are a lot of factors to consider when determining a candidate for IV sedation. However, rest assured that a patient would only be given alternatives if they had a medical issue that interfered with IV sedation. Take a look below at some example candidates for IV sedation, and why your medical history is important.

• Dental Anxiety or Fear: Do you have a long-time fear of the dentist or of dental tools? IV sedation can help you feel at ease.
• Severe Gag Reflex: Some patients have more sensitive gag reflexes than others, and these patients would make good candidates for IV sedation.
• Need Multiple Procedures Done in One Visit: IV sedation is also useful for patients who must undergo two or more procedures at once. This way, there are no distractions and these procedures can be completed quickly.
• Difficulty with Local Anesthesia: While rare, it is possible that some patients may not get the “numbing” feeling from local anesthetic. To prevent them from feeling pain, IV sedation could be used in these situations to keep them comfortable.
• Desire for Comfortable Dentistry: In these cases, patients just want to have a comfortable experience at the dentist, even if they have no medical need for sedation. IV sedation could be an option, but it’s best to speak with Dr. Grubb about your options before you commit.

Why Your Medical History is Important

Since IV sedation involves the combination of different medicines, it’s important that you tell us about your medical history. This includes any recent surgical procedures or any allergies you possess. It would also help if you know of any medical conditions or allergies that your parents or grandparents possessed as well. With this information, Dr. Grubb can determine if IV sedation is safe for your body.

We want to ensure our patients that their private medical information is completely confidential.

“Do I Need A Ride After Treatment?”

The resounding answer is yes. Even though a majority of patients may recover more quickly from IV sedation than oral sedation, we recommend that you have a friend or family member transport you to and from our office. This would be best for your safety.

Contact Us About IV Sedation Candidacy

Are you looking for a dental treatment, but have reservations or other dental fears? Talk to Dr. Grubb about how you can qualify for IV sedation, to keep you calm and comfortable during your appointment with us. We would be happy to schedule you for a consultation with Dr. Grubb, and can answer any questions you may have about IV sedation, so contact our office today.