Are you anxious at just the thought of going to the dentist? Dental anxiety is incredibly common and can stem from many factors, including the portrayal of dentistry in media and negative past dental experiences. It is estimated that dental anxiety and dental fear affect approximately 36% of the population. The good news is that there are various sedation options out there that can help even the most fearful patients have a comfortable experience in the dental chair. IV sedation is suitable for those who have extreme dental fear and people who have difficulty sitting still for a long period for one reason or another. Read on to learn about some of the most common drugs that are used in IV sedation.
Benzodiazepines
The most common drug that is used for IV sedation is benzodiazepines. These sedative drugs can reduce anxiety, make patients sleepy, and result in partial amnesia. In this class of drugs, Midazolam is more often used for dental procedures. It’s a popular choice since it is able to enter the patient’s system and take effect very quickly.
Propofol
Propofol is a drug that is used to achieve a deep level of anesthesia and is more commonly used in a hospital setting. This is because propofol requires careful monitoring and a specialized machine that is programmed to deliver incremental doses. Propofol is fast-acting. It begins to take effect in just 90 to 100 seconds. Once treatment is complete, the patient typically recovers quickly as the effects wear off.
Opioids
In some situations, patients receive opioids intravenously – usually in addition to benzodiazepine. These medications work together to create a sedative effect, reducing the amount of each drug that needs to be administered. Opioids are excellent at controlling pain during and after dental procedures. Some that are sometimes used for IV sedation include meperidine, morphine, and fentanyl.
Ketamine
Ketamine is a derivative of the psychedelic drug, “phencyclidine.” It is more widely known for its psychedelic properties, but it can also be used as a conscious sedation agent. This is because it can help to reduce pain and memory from a procedure, yet the body maintains breathing and cardiovascular reflexes. After being injected, it takes about a minute for the effects to set in. Ketamine is commonly used in combination with other drugs.
When it comes to IV sedation, every drug has its advantages and disadvantages. During your consultation, your dentist will discuss your options to create a plan that is right for you. This way, you can prepare for a safe, comfortable treatment.
About the Practice
At Richardson Oral Surgery Center, oral surgery dentist, Dr. Michael Ahn and, anesthesiologist, Dr. Ryan Cooper work together to serve patients in the Richardson area. They offer IV sedation and general anesthesia to ensure that patients are perfectly comfortable during their procedures. To learn more about your sedation options or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (469) 991-7866.