At the Smile Center in Buffalo, NY, patients in the community can enjoy quality care. But what about dental anxiety? A common concern for many of our patients is the fear of sitting in the dentist’s chair. This fear can be very overwhelming for many patients, including adults, enough to where they avoid getting dental work completed. However, thanks to the benefits of IV sedation, patients can now enjoy safe and effective dental treatments with their dentist.

What is IV sedation?

Dr. Gordon Kent of the Smile Center describes IV sedation as a sedative that is intravenously administered. This sedative can make patients fall asleep, allowing the dentist to complete dental work without the patient feeling fearful or anxious. IV sedation is stronger than other methods such as nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation but is not the same as general anesthesia. IV sedation is a safe method of relaxing a patient that is highly desirable by many adults.

Who is a candidate for IV sedation?

IV sedation can be used on any patient in most cases. However, it is best that patients confer with their dentist about their current medications and their medical history. This is done to ensure that the IV sedative does not conflict with anything the patient is taking. A full workup may be completed during the initial evaluation to find out more about the patient’s current state.

What if I am embarrassed to tell my dentist I am fearful of the dental chair?

Don’t be! At the Smile Center, Dr. Gordon Kent and his associates understand entirely how dental anxiety can keep patients from getting the care they need and deserve. They provide options with compassion and can help patients feel more at ease by the time they receive treatment. Additionally, working with the same dentist allows patients to build a positive rapport with the team and know that they are in good hands!

What treatments are provided with IV sedation?

Any procedure available at our office can be used in conjunction with IV sedation. These include:

• Immediate dentures
• Extractions
• Dental implants
• Invisalign
• Traditional braces
• Porcelain veneers
• Cavities and fillings
• Dental crowns
• Dental bridges
• Emergency dental situations

IV sedation is just one of several sedative methods available in the practice with Dr. Gordon Kent. We encourage patients to ask about each of them to make an educated decision regarding the one that is most appropriate for their specific needs.

Why might a patient choose IV sedation?

IV sedation is not just for use in patients who have dental anxieties. In fact, there may be other reasons why a patient may choose to move forward with dental treatment in conjunction with IV sedation. These situations may include:

• Patients who have difficulty sitting through a lengthy and invasive procedure
• Patients who have a strong gag reflex that makes it difficult for the dentist to perform treatments
• Patients who have conditions that make it painful to keep the mouth open wide, including TMD and TMJ
• Patients who have conditions that can result in difficulty staying still for treatments

If you have any of these concerns, it is best to speak to the dental team about your needs to ensure that you can get the sedation you need to have a positive experience at the dental practice.

Will I be awake and remember my procedure?

Patients who undergo IV sedation will be in a deeper sedative state than those who use nitrous oxide. They often fall asleep, and later have no memory of their procedure at all. Whether patients have had a bad experience in the past with a previous dentist or have a fear of pain and discomfort, IV sedation is often recommended. When patients realize how reliable and effective the IV sedation is, they are more likely to schedule the necessary treatments they require to achieve and maintain good oral health and wellness.

Schedule your visit with Dr. Gordon Kent and his team today!

Call today to book your consultation appointment and learn about sedation methods available for obtaining safe, comfortable, and appropriate treatments for the smile. The practice is in Buffalo, NY at 4427 Union Road, and is always accepting new patients and families for comprehensive care.