Eliminate Dental Anxiety
For many people, visiting the dentist for any type of procedure can cause fear and anxiety. Whether it’s the sound of the tools or they’ve endured a traumatic dental experience, sitting in a dental chair for an extended period of time is the last thing they want to be doing.
However, avoiding dental treatments can be dangerous to your health, so we’ll do everything we can to put you at ease. One way Dr. Klym can effectively do this is through IV sedation.
What Is IV Sedation?
In order to ensure you’re as relaxed as possible during your time with us, we can provide you with a sedative that’s administered directly to your bloodstream. This is a fast yet safe method, and Dr. Klym will monitor you throughout your treatment to ensure you’re responding well to the medication.
You’ll be awake the entire time, but you’ll be so relaxed that you won’t be aware of what’s going on. After the procedure, you may even forget that it occurred. We recommend that you have someone drive you home after IV sedation.
Who Will Benefit From IV Sedation?
IV sedation is a great way to conquer your fear of visiting the dentist’s office and can be very beneficial to your dental health. You may want to consider this treatment if you:
- Get anxious during dental procedures
- Have trouble sitting still
- Are afraid of loud noises
- Are undergoing an extensive treatment
- Have a bad gag reflex
If any of these symptoms apply to you, IV sedation can eliminate them.
What to Expect from Sedation Dentistry Appointments
To attend that first visit is probably the most difficult part for many new patients even though it is basically a “get to know us” consultation. Of course, we will make this visit as stress, and anxiety free as possible.
Just call our office at (231) 947-7202 and talk to a Northwood Dental team member. We will schedule your first visit to talk with Dr. Klym, so you can learn more about him, our practice, and sedation, and we can understand your situation more fully.
Learn more about your visit below. To find what our patients say, click the following links.
The Examination
Our team will do a general health assessment and discuss your needs and wants. When you are comfortable, we’ll take x-rays, and do a detailed evaluation of your mouth.
Talk with Dr. Klym and any Northwood Dental team member about your fears, and concerns before any dentistry is performed. You will learn more about I.V. sedation treatment, and the knowledge gained will empower you.
Provide us with an updated health history including any medications you take, which includes prescriptions, herbal remedies, vitamins, and supplements. Alcohol consumption and smoking may affect how well I.V. sedation works, so be sure to tell us about your health-related habits.
IV Sedation “Sleep” Dentistry
Because of Dr. Klym’s training in I.V. sedation, he can perform a protocol that is customized to your particular needs.
While nothing we do or provide magically make fears or worries disappear, I.V. sedation offers confidence, and peace-of-mind so our patients can renew their dental health, and enhance their smile appearance. You can achieve more than you ever thought possible in what will seem like only a “few minutes” of your time.
Northwood Dental patients feel no discomfort or aftereffects from their sedation visit, whether it includes restorative, implant or cosmetic dentistry. Expect significant comfort and exceptional results with I.V. sedation dentistry from Northwood Dental in Traverse City.
Stress-Free Dental Care
Have you been putting off dental care due to fear? Dr. Klym understands that procedures such as dental implants or even a simple filing can be intimidating. Call our Traverse City office at (231) 947-7202 or our Petoskey office at (231) 347-2188 to learn more about sedation and its benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I talk during IV sedation?
During IV sedation, you’ll be able to respond to questions and may or may not remember the procedure. You’ll be completely relaxed and free of worries. Most patients report a euphoric and calm sensation, and many fall asleep.
Other common side effects of dental sedation include:
- Delayed reflexes
- Low blood pressure
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Headache
Dr. Klym will be in communication with you throughout your treatment to ensure you’re comfortable and free of pain, so he can adjust the dosage as needed.
Is sedation safer than general anesthesia?
Conscious sedation is safer than general anesthesia because there are more risks associated with losing consciousness. That’s why general anesthesia is reserved for invasive surgeries that typically take place in hospitals.
Conscious sedation has its own risks such as:
- Changes in heart rate and blood pressure
- Respiratory depression
- Allergic reaction
While complications with dental sedation are rare, having a trusted dentist such as Dr. Klym administering the medication will ensure you receive the proper dosage and that the treatment will produce the best possible results. You’ll be at ease with Dr. Klym and dental sedation.
Can I eat before dental sedation?
In addition to following any pre-op recommendations by Dr. Klym, it’s vital that you follow fasting guidelines and avoid eating or drinking for six hours prior to IV sedation. However, you may have water up to two hours prior to your appointment.
When you’re sedated, your reflexes are suppressed and if you have food or beverages in your stomach and become nauseous, you’re more likely to vomit and aspirate. If you eat or drink prior to sedation, your procedure will be canceled.
Does insurance cover dental sedation?
If the treatment requires sedation, insurance may cover all or a portion of the expenses. We recommend checking with your provider prior to your appointment for more information on your specific coverage. If you have any questions that we can answer, don’t hesitate to contact our Traverse City office by calling (231) 947-7202 or our Petoskey office at (231) 347-2188 and we’ll be happy to assist you.