Health benefits of IV sedation explained by Greensboro dentist

If you are uneasy or nervous about visiting the dentist, you are not alone. In fact, up to 15 percent of adults in the United States have avoided visiting the dentist because they have anxiety about the dentist’s office or receiving treatment. Dental phobia is real, and at the practice of Dr. Steven L. Hatcher, our team is here to help you obtain the oral health care you need while maintaining your comfort and easing your worries. At our Greensboro, NC office, IV sedation is an effective way of managing dental fears. Below, our dentists explain the health benefits of this anxiety-relieving treatment.

It takes effect quickly

Since IV sedation is administered directly into your bloodstream, it literally begins to work within seconds. That means that you are almost instantly taken into a state of calmness, rather than having to wait for an hour or more for an oral sedative to take effect.

Some Precautions

You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you until the residual grogginess from the sedation wears off completely and you are fully clear-headed again. It is recommended that you relax and rest or even nap until you are fully clear-headed again.

It is relaxing and you don’t remember your dental visit afterwards

IV sedation offers the deepest level of relaxation among the sedation dentistry options. It puts you in a semi-conscious state so you either sleep through your procedure or enter a deep level of calm and comfort.

With IV sedation, patients often have no recollection of their dental treatment whatsoever. Patients often doze comfortably and wake up when the treatment is complete, but even if you don’t fall asleep, you will likely have little memory of your time in the dental chair. This means that you will not have to worry about developing new traumatic memories if a bad dental experience in the past is what led to your dental fears. In fact, you may find the whole experience so calming and comfortable that it helps you begin to develop a more positive outlook towards dental care.

It helps you get the dental care you need

Perhaps most importantly, IV sedation can be just what is needed to help you make the call to get the dental care you need. If you are suffering from a painful dental condition such as tooth decay or an abscessed tooth, seeking diagnosis and treatment earlier on can result in:

• Easier, less invasive treatments
• An increased chance that your natural tooth can be saved
• Less time in the dental chair
• Less money out of your pocket

Patients who are under IV sedation can comfortably have multiple dental procedures done in one visit, making the most of their time and money while reducing the number of potentially anxiety-provoking trips they need to make to the dentist.

In addition, taking care of your teeth and gums with professional cleanings and treatments can result in better overall health. For example, studies have linked gum disease to a wide variety of deadly systemic issues, such as heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, certain types of cancers, and more. With IV sedation during your dental appointment, you can relax comfortably while we help restore your oral health and overall well-being.

Comfortable, effective dental care

If you have been putting off calling the dentist due to dental phobia or simply because you are uneasy thinking about having a long dental procedure done, there is no need to delay any longer. At the dental practice of Steven L. Hatcher, DDS, FAGD, PA, IV sedation is just one of many ways that we can help patients feel comfortable and at ease while they are in the dental chair. We are non-judgmental and strive to make you feel at home from the moment you step into our state-of-the-art office. Our friendly dental team provides gentle, effective care to help keep your teeth and gums healthy and has options for you no matter how long it has been since your last dental visit. If you are located in the Greensboro area, call our office today at (336) 383-1482 to schedule your appointment.

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Dr. Steven Hatcher

Dr. Chad Merrell

Dr. Sona Isharani

Dr. Victoria Santiago-Coiro

Dr. Chavala M. Harris

Dr. Steven Hatcher, Dr. Chad Merrell, Dr. Sona Isharani, Dr. Victoria Santiago-Coiro, and Dr. Chavala M. Harris comprise the team of qualified and experienced doctors at Triad Dentistry. They are passionate and driven professionals who strive to preserve and enhance the natural beauty in every dental treatment. Together with the other members of the team, they focus on developing an individualist approach when it comes to treating patients to ensure patient care is a tailor-made experience for the comfort of each client.