For patients with severe dental anxiety or those facing complex treatments, standard relaxation methods may not be enough. At Dental Designs of Stroud, we offer intravenous (IV) sedation to provide a deeper level of comfort and calm.
Dr. Brett Francis received extensive training in IV sedation during his rotations at the University of Utah Medical Center. This advanced qualification allows our practice to offer a level of sedation typically found only in oral surgery specialty practices. We bring this advanced care directly to our general dentistry patients in Stroud, OK.
IV sedation places you in a “twilight” state. You remain technically conscious and able to breathe on your own, but you will feel deeply relaxed and unconcerned about your surroundings. Most patients drift in and out of a light sleep and have little to no memory of the procedure once it is over.
Immediate Relief Through Precision Control
One of the main advantages of IV sedation is the amnesic effect. The medications used often erase short-term memory during the time they are active.
For patients with dental phobia, the sights, sounds, and smells of a dental office are triggers. With IV sedation, you are largely unaware of these sensory inputs. You wake up with your dental work completed, often feeling as though you just closed your eyes for a moment. This helps break the cycle of fear associated with dental visits.
Rigorous Safety Protocols
Safety is paramount when administering IV sedation. Dr. Francis is a member of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology (ADSA) and adheres to strict safety protocols.
During your appointment, our team acts as your dedicated safety monitors. We use hospital-grade equipment to continuously track your vital signs, including:
- Heart rate and rhythm
- Blood pressure
- Oxygen saturation
- Respiration rates
Our team is trained in emergency management and airway protection. We treat your safety with the same seriousness as a hospital operating room, ensuring a secure environment for you.
Turning Hours Into Moments
While IV sedation is excellent for anxiety, it is also a powerful tool for efficiency. Some dental treatments, such as full mouth reconstruction, multiple root canals, or All-On-X implant placement, can take several hours.
Sitting in a dental chair for a long duration can be physically and mentally exhausting. IV sedation alters your perception of time. A four-hour appointment may feel like twenty minutes. This allows our doctors to perform extensive work in a single visit, saving you from having to return for multiple shorter appointments.
Planning Your Recovery
Because IV sedation involves potent medications, recovery requires planning. You will feel groggy and unsteady immediately after the appointment.
Important aftercare guidelines include:
- Transportation: You must have a responsible adult drive you to our Stroud office and drive you home. You cannot drive yourself.
- Supervision: We recommend having someone stay with you for a few hours after you arrive home.
- Rest: Plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Do not return to work or school.
- Limitations: Do not operate machinery, drive, or make important legal or financial decisions for 24 hours.
Most patients feel back to normal by the next morning.
Is IV Sedation Right For You?
IV sedation is safe for most healthy adults, but it requires a thorough health evaluation. Before scheduling your procedure, our doctors will review your complete medical history and current medications.
IV sedation may be the right choice if you:
- Have high dental anxiety or phobia
- Need extensive or invasive dental work
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Have difficulty getting numb with local anesthesia alone
- Have special needs that make sitting still difficult
Experience Fearless Dentistry
You do not have to let fear dictate your oral health. With IV sedation, you can receive world-class dental care while resting comfortably.
Contact Dental Designs of Stroud today to discuss your sedation options. We serve patients from Stroud, OK, Chandler, Bristow, and surrounding communities who need a stress-free dental solution.