Stay Anxiety Free with IV Sedation Dentistry Near Me in Kennewick WA
A visit to the dentist can be stressful for anybody, but some people find the anxiety to be overwhelming. At Kennewick Dental, we understand that receiving dental care can be scary, and we’re here to help with painless sedation dentistry.
Sedation dentistry allows patients to get the dental care they need while in a sedated, semi-conscious state. The sedatives mean that the patient will have no pain during the treatment and little or no memory of the treatment after it’s done. It’s an ideal solution for people who experience extreme anxiety and fear about going to the dentist.
Does the Idea of Dental Work Have You Terrified?
For some patients, going to the dentist can be terrifying. There are many reasons that fear can get in the way of visiting the dentist.
Some people fear the dentist because they had a negative experience where a dentist ignored their pain. Sometimes, it’s because they’ve heard stories from friends and families about upsetting experiences. Others may worry about the lack of control they’ll have.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to recognize the fear you feel and understand that there are ways to address it while still getting the compassionate care you need.
Why Choose IV Sedation?
Are you wondering whether IV sedation dentistry is right for you? Here are some of the benefits that explain why patients choose sedation dentistry.
- Relieves Dental Fear, Anxiety, and Gag Reflexes. If you’re someone who gets anxious or fearful about visiting the dentist, or you have a sensitive gag reflex, sedation dentistry can take the stress out of dental treatment.
- Quick Relaxation Effect as Compared to Other Methods. Fear of pain is one of the biggest deterrents to maintaining good oral health. With sedation, patients experience quick relaxation that ensures their comfort during any procedure.
- Little or No Memory of Your Treatment. When people feel anxious during dental treatment, they may carry the memories of the treatment away with them, leading to even more anxiety the next time. Sedation dentistry leaves patients with little to no memory of the treatment experience.
- Fewer Appointments. One of the by-products of anxiety is that patients sometimes require many appointments to get work done. With sedation dentistry, you can have more treatments done in a single visit, minimizing the number of needed appointments.
Sedation dentistry can remove most of the anxiety and stress of visiting the dentist and make it easy to have the smile you deserve.
What Can I Expect During IV Sedation?
IV sedation is a simple process. Here’s what you should expect. At Kennewick Dental, we have a private sedation dental suite away from other patients.
Before your dental treatment begins, a nurse anesthetist will put an IV in your hand or arm. When the sedative enters your bloodstream, you will go into a relaxed state. You won’t feel anything, but you will be able to hear the dentist’s voice and breathe on your own.
During the procedure(s), the nurse anesthetist will use visual and physical cues to adjust your sedation level as needed. When the treatment has been completed, the nurse anesthetist will stop the sedative, and you will come back to full consciousness.
It’s typical for patients to have little or no memory of the treatments. You may experience the feeling of having lost time, particularly if you have several treatments in the same appointment.
We require any patients who receive sedation dentistry to have a friend or family member drive them to and from the appointment. It is not safe to drive for 24 hours after sedation.
Who is a Candidate for IV Sedation?
Patients who choose sedation dentistry in Kennewick WA do so for various reasons. You may be a good candidate for IV sedation if you meet one or more of the following criteria.
- You have extreme fear or anxiety about going to the dentist.
- You have a history of avoiding dental treatments until pain becomes unbearable.
- You require an extensive procedure or a lot of work to catch up on care that you’ve missed.
- You have a low tolerance for pain or a sensitive gag reflex.
- You do not respond well to Novacain or have a hard time getting numb.
- You have scheduling difficulties and prefer to get several procedures done at once.
At Kennewick Dental, we provide sedation dentistry to patients who qualify. You must attend a pre-treatment health screening. Patients who are allergic to the sedation drugs, pregnant, or who have certain underlying health conditions may not be eligible.
IV Sedation Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions
It’s important to be informed about sedation dentistry before you decide to try it. Here are some of the questions we are asked most frequently about sedation.
How safe is IV sedation?
Sedation is completely safe when the patient has been properly screened and the sedative is administered by a trained professional. Our experienced dentists provide the option for safe IV sedation to patients in Kennewick WA, the Tri Cities, and surrounding areas.
How long does it take for IV sedation to wear off?
Most people are fully conscious within 20 minutes of the IV sedation being removed and back to normal after six hours. However, results can vary from person to person. We will monitor you for a while after treatment.
How much does IV sedation dentistry cost?
At Kennewick Dental, the cost of sedation dentistry is $650 per hour of sedation plus the cost of any treatments administered. We are happy to accommodate you if you need a payment plan to get the care you need.
Can I drive after IV sedation?
We recommend you visit your sedation dentistry appointment at Kennewick Dental with a friend or family member. You should not drive for 24 hours after sedation. While most people return to normal after six hours, the safest option is not to get behind the wheel too quickly.
What medication is used for IV sedation dentistry at Kennewick Dental?
The medication that is used for IV sedation is called Propophal and Ketamine, which are short-acting hypnotic/sedatives.
What is the difference between anesthesia and IV sedation?
The benefits of IV Sedation include: no endotracheal tube is required, unlike general anesthesia. It is a simpler way to keep patients relaxed compared to general anesthesia. IV sedation does cause partial memory loss, and patients will not remember any of their procedures.
Are there any side effects of IV sedation?
Propofol and Ketamine are short-acting hypnotics/sedatives. They are administered to put you into a state of sleep/unconsciousness. The depth of sleep varies based on the amount given by your anesthesia provider and the level required for your procedure. Some of the desired effects and some side effects include:
Desired Effects:
- Sedation
- Amnesia
- Reduced anxiety
- Pain relief
Undesired effects can include:
- Drop or increase in blood pressure
- Slowed breathing
- Changes in heart rhythm or arrhythmias
- Seizures
- Increased salivation
- Headaches
How do I prepare for my sedation dental appointment?
The only restriction is to not eat 6 hours before your appointment.
How Would You Like to Take a Nap and Wake up with all your Dental Work Completed? We Can Do that with IV Sedation at Kennewick Dental!
You deserve a healthy mouth and a happy smile — and sedation dentistry can give you both. It’s time to say goodbye to dental anxiety and fear.
At Kennewick Dental, our experienced staff provides sedation dentistry to patients who need it in our private sedation suite. It’s as simple as taking a nap. Click here to book an appointment today!
What Our Patients Are Saying
I've been to Kennewick Dental for several years now and have always had a warm, pleasant experience. They do a great job!
Kennewick Dental is amazing. I have been with them for many years. They are very kind and professional. I would recommend them to anyone.
These guys are the best! Quality care and very transparent; great communicators. They work efficiently and have state of the art equipment in a nice, clean space. Highly recommend!!
I was treated very well and the work they did was fast and successful. Thank you so much!
Contact Kennewick Dental for Dental Treatment with IV Sedation
If you are anxious about your dental procedure, we can help by providing IV sedation. Contact Kennewick Dental today. We can answer any questions you have about IV sedation and if it is the right choice for you.
For dental treatments with painless sedation dentistry, consider Kennewick Dental. Our professional and caring dentists in Kennewick WA are ready to provide pain-free dental procedures and ensure a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come. Call our friendly staff to book an appointment today at (509) 374-4077.