Is gentle dentistry using IV sedation for everyone?
This therapy is especially useful for those who: • experience medium to severe anxiety in anticipation of pain or discomfort (usually the result of a traumatic dental experience in childhood) • have had difficulty in the past with local anesthetics ‘not working’ for them (medium to extreme anxiety can sometimes heighten sensitivity) • find it difficult or uncomfortable to keep their mouth open for prolonged periods (usually caused by TMJ problems or other medical conditions) • find it very uncomfortable to have hands and instruments in their mouths (invasion of personal space) • have difficulty controlling their gag reflex • have a lot of work to be done and little time to spend (the dentist can work more quickly when a patient is sedated and is therefore unable to experience any discomfort) Q: Will I really be totally relaxed? A: Yes. You’ll receive just enough sedation so that you’ll be relaxed and unconcerned about the dental treatment. Q: Will I remember anything? A: Typically, no.
