You’re not alone if you’re feeling nervous about an upcoming dental appointment. Many people experience anxiety when it’s time to see their provider, and some even avoid certain procedures if they’re overly afraid.
Fortunately, your dentist can provide IV sedation to help you feel relaxed and comfortable throughout your visit. However, it’s essential to be well-informed to decide whether this service is right for you. Continue reading to learn about four medications commonly used for IV conscious sedation so you can make an educated decision regarding your dental health.
Option #1: Midazolam
Some people hesitate to proceed with IV dental sedation because they mistakenly assume it will render them unconscious, but that’s not usually the case. The drugs are intended to reduce your body’s ability to register discomfort and ease your frayed nerves without “knocking you out”. That way, you can respond to your provider’s instructions or questions while they work.
Midazolam is a popular medication used for this purpose because, as a benzodiazepine, it’s ideal for reducing anxiety and promoting calm. The effects kick in minutes after it’s injected and typically last for an hour or two. It’s considered safe for both children and adults when administered by a qualified professional. With that said, some people experience adverse reactions like uncontrollable crying, disorientation, restlessness, involuntary movement, hallucinations, and in extreme cases, aggressive behavior or self-injury.
Option #2: Dexmedetomidine
This potent non-opioid medication puts you into a sleep pattern similar to your natural circadian cycle. You’ll still be able to communicate with your dentist, and they with you, but it slows your sympathetic nervous system. It can impact a patient’s breathing and heart rate, so usually doses are kept low so that your stats remain within healthy ranges throughout your procedure. With that said, it might not be ideal for patients who are elderly or who have chronically high blood pressure or diabetes.
Option #3: Ketamine
This medication is derived from a psychedelic drug called phencyclidine, which is a dissociative anesthetic. Ketamine works like a fast-acting anesthetic and antidepressant that helps you feel relaxed while distorting your brain’s capacity to register pain. It reduces sensation throughout the body, but one dose lasts only 5 to 10 minutes, making it an ideal solution for those undergoing shorter procedures. It might also be used in conjunction with other sedatives for a more potent effect.
This option is considered safe for most people, but can raise your blood pressure, so poses an additional risk for patients with hypertension. Also, its effects have not been widely studied on patients under 16 so it’s not always recommended for children.
Option #4: Propofol
This injection begins working within 90 to 100 seconds and suppresses brain signals to inhibit sensation. It also clears the body quickly, so it must be administered continuously.
It’s considered safe for people of all ages, but it contains additional ingredients like egg lecithin, soybean oil, and glycerol, so it’s not recommended for anyone who is allergic to the medication or any of its components. It also induces a drop in blood pressure, so if you have heart disease, high cholesterol, kidney issues, or seizures, it might impact your overall health. Your dentist will monitor your condition the entire time it’s administered to keep you healthy and whole.
If you’re unsure which sedative is right for you, it’s time to consult your dentist, who can help determine which method works best for your unique circumstances.
About the Practice
At South Texas Periodontics & Implants, you benefit from two experts eager to help you enhance your daily quality of life by improving your oral health. Dr. Marcos Garcia and Dr. Chungyen Wu are certified periodontists with over a decade of combined experience providing specialty services to care for your smile. They take the time to learn about your unique circumstances, then utilize state-of-the-art technology to deliver accurate results. They also offer IV sedation so that you’ll feel comfortable and calm regardless of the reason for your visit. You can request an appointment on the website or call (361) 992-7641.