Do you get nervous at the idea of seeing the dentist? Dental anxiety is more common than you may think! In fact, it is estimated that dental anxiety and dental fear affect approximately 36% of the population. A further 12% are suffering from extreme dental phobia! Fortunately, there are sedation options out there so even the most fearful patients can get the essential dental care they need. IV sedation is one of the common options, but what exactly is it? Continue reading to learn about some of the common drugs that are used in IV sedation to help patients feel relaxed.
Benzodiazepines
The most common drug that is used for IV sedation is benzodiazepines. These sedative drugs are able to reduce anxiety, make patients sleepy, and result in partial amnesia. In this class of drugs, Midazolam is most often used for dental procedures. It is a popular choice because it is able to enter the patient’s system and take effect quickly.
Propofol
Propofol is a drug that is used to achieve a deep level of anesthesia and is more commonly used in a hospital setting. This is because propofol requires careful monitoring and a specialized machine that is programmed for each patient to deliver incremental doses. Propofol is fast-acting – it begins taking effect in just 90 to 100 seconds. Once treatment is complete, the patient typically recovers quickly as the effects wear off.
Opioids
In some situations, patients receive opioids intravenously – usually in addition to a benzodiazepine. These medications work together to create a sedative effect, reducing the amount of each drug that needs to be administered. Opioids are great at controlling pain during and after dental procedures. Some ones that are sometimes used for IV sedation include meperidine, morphine, or fentanyl.
Ketamine
Ketamine is a derivative of the psychedelic drug, “phencyclidine.” While it may be more widely known for its psychedelic properties, it can also be used as a conscious sedation agent. This is because it can help to reduce pain and memory from a procedure, yet the body maintains breathing and cardiovascular reflexes. After being injected, it takes about a minute for the effects to set in. Ketamine is commonly used in combination with other drugs.
When it comes to IV sedation, each drug has advantages and disadvantages, and the same combination isn’t right for everyone. Your dentist will discuss the different options for you to ensure that you are perfectly safe and comfortable during your treatment.
About the Author
Dr. Eduardo R. Lorenzana is an experienced periodontist and dental implant specialist who has been working in the dental field for more than 25 years. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry before pursuing his Certificate in Periodontics and Master’s in Oral Biology. Today, he is Board-Certified by the American Board of Periodontology. To learn more about IV sedation or to schedule an appointment at his office in San Antonio, visit his website or call (210) 492-3519.