Sedation dentistry isn’t new. Believe it or not, it’s been used in some form or another by dentists for more than 150 years. It’s something we are happy to offer at our dentist office in Shorewood, IL, because we know it can make dental care more comfortable for our patients. In fact, we offer three different kinds of dental sedation — nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation near Joliet, IL.
Our focus today is on IV sedation. We want you to understand why you or someone you care about could benefit from this option.
If you would like to learn more about any of our sedation options at Shorewood Family Dental Care, you can contact us online or call 815-725-5991.
Overcoming Severe Dental Anxiety with IV Sedation Near Joliet
Dental anxiety can be debilitating, preventing many from seeking necessary care. IV sedation near Joliet, IL, at Shorewood Family Dental Care is a powerful solution for those with intense dental anxiety. This method is especially effective for patients who find nitrous oxide or oral sedation insufficient due to their heightened anxiety levels.
We want every patient to receive the care they need and deserve to keep their mouths as healthy as possible. By offering IV sedation, we are able to help more patients.
People can experience dental anxiety for many reasons:
- Fear of pain.
- Thought of gagging.
- Fear of dental equipment.
For some people, this can make it nearly impossible to sit still for a dental appointment. IV sedation allows us to keep you relaxed with a carefully controlled amount of sedation.
This kind of sedation takes effect quickly, and you are unlikely to remember any of the specifics of your treatment when you are under IV sedation.
You should also know that the effects of IV sedation can last for hours so you’ll need to have someone else take you home after your treatment.
Our own Dr. Robert Funk has been trained and certified to provide IV sedation since 2004. IV sedation is so effective because it is more powerful than nitrous oxide, and IV sedation gives us greater control than oral sedation.
Whenever a patient undergoes any treatment with IV sedation, Dr. Funk and two dental assistants are in the room at all times. It takes a little more effort, but we believe it’s worth it to be able to provide high-quality dental care for every patient, including those who have severe dental anxiety.
Helping with Complex Dental Procedures
Not every dental procedure is as simple as a dental cleaning. We offer a range of services at Shorewood Family Dental Care. This includes a variety of restorative dentistry to complete smile makeover.
Many times one or more services may be combined as part of your treatment. The more complicated this becomes, the more we appreciate having IV sedation as an option.
Some of these procedures can take hours. IV sedation will help you remain relaxed until everything is complete, and as we mentioned above, you are unlikely to remember any of the specifics.
However, you will enjoy the benefits of your dental care.
Encouraging Regular Dental Visits for Anxious Patients
Patients who have severe dental anxiety can go for years or decades without receiving professional dental care. That’s not good for anyone.
We’ve learned that IV sedation has helped many people take the first step to getting back into a dentist’s chair. For some, IV sedation will remain the only way they receive dental care for the rest of their lives.
And that’s OK. It’s better to have your teeth professionally cleaned while sedated than to never have a professional cleaning.
For others, having a dentist that offers IV sedation near Joliet, IL makes it easier to come to our office for that initial visit. As they become more comfortable with receiving dental care and with us, some patients will step down to nitrous oxide sedation.
With time, they may even be able to receive basic treatments with no sedation at all. Just remember that overcoming dental anxiety usually doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process that takes time, patience, and a dentist office you can trust — a dentist office like Shorewood Family Dental Care
Do You Know Someone Who Could Benefit From IV Sedation?
If anyone you know (including you) is looking for a family dentist near Joliet and could benefit from IV sedation, we welcome and encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists. We will be happy to answer your questions.
To get started, either fill out our online contact form or call 815-725-5991.
