There are many different kind of sedation dentistry. This article is about IV and oral sedation, but Nitrous oxide gas is very predictable and popular for short procedures where dental anxiety is mild to moderate. The costs of sedation dentistry are high and nitrous gas is by far the least expensive. When it comes to severe dental anxiety IV sedation or oral sedation are the only ones that will work. In this article we explore IV vs Oral Sedation Dentistry.
IV Sedation Dentistry Compared to Oral Sedation Dentistry
IV sedation dentistry definitely works. Depending on the patient and the procedure oral sedatives or IV sedation dentistry may be better. In general IV sedation is safer, faster and more predictable. Full IV sedation dentistry is more predictable than oral sedation dentistry. The sedation process is faster with IVs than oral sedatives and treatment time is decreased with IV sedations. With intravenous sedatives, the dental anesthesiologist has more control increasing or decreasing the level of anesthesia as needed for the procedure.
Multiple Dose Oral Sedation is not Safe
Multiple dose oral sedation can be difficult, dangerous and getting the right level of sedation is unpredictable. Multiple dose oral sedation can be dangerous because giving a reversal agent is difficult in the even of over sedation. The effects of multiple sedative pills may or may not have the desired effect. Oral sedation is lighter and is a good option for patients who have less anxiety and may only need a single dose of a sedative.
IV can produce higher levels of sedation safely and quickly. While both forms of sedation work great (if used properly), the ideal sedation technique is determined when you come in for your exam and consult. Dr Adams will discuss the types of treatment that are being done and which level of sedation will suit you best.
Sedation Dentistry Consultation with Dr. Adams
Dr. Adams is our sedation dentist. He will meet with you personally to determine what kind of sedation you need to comfortably tolerate your dental care whether it be twilight anesthesia or full IV sedation. Dr Adams is one of few dentists in the Washington-Baltimore area who sedates people for regular dental work as well as complex procedures.
“It’s amazing how well people do and how well they heal when they are calm and comfortable throughout their dental procedure.”
Contact us today for a no cost sedation dentistry consultation.
IV Sedation and Oral Sedation Dentistry Costs are Similar
The costs of sedation dentistry is between $300 – $900 per appointment hour. Oral Sedation can be free or cost up to $500 per sedation dentistry appointment depending on the sedative being used, the amount of anesthesia time and the number of dental sedatives necessary to achieve the desired effect.
Dentists who perform intravenous dental sedation need a lot more training, equipment and certificates for the facility. IV sedation dental professionals train under dental anesthesiologists for long periods of time, are examined by the the State of Maryland and must pass difficult tests administered by other sedation experts. The requirements to perform oral sedation dentistry are far less. Very few dentists perform full IV sedation dentistry because of the time and expense of the training and the equipment. Conversely, many dentists perform oral sedation dentistry.
Is IV Sedation Dentistry or Oral Sedatives Safer?
Yes. In fact IV Sedation is more safe than oral sedation because sedative drugs can be administered to increase or decrease the effects of the sedation. In the event of an emergency (such as the level of sedation gets too deep), the effects of the dental anesthesia can be easily reversed with a sedative drug reversal agent.
Conversely, if only oral sedatives are being uses, no IV is in place and reversal drugs cannot be easily administered.
What about Twilight Anesthesia?
We use nitrous oxide aka laughing gas. Laughing gas sedation is effective for mild to moderate sedation. Dental gas is advantageous because it sets in very quickly and wears off very quickly. The patient can drive themselves to and from their dental sedation appointment.
Yes it is absolutely possible to safely remove amalgam fillings with the IAOMT Protocol under IV Sedation. We do this all the time.