Most people would be able to tell you that seeing the dentist for regular care is important. For some, however, that’s much easier said than done. Dental anxiety can make getting necessary dental care nearly impossible; if that describes you, sedation dentistry could be perfect for you.

People with moderate to severe dental anxiety may benefit from IV sedation, one of the most potent methods available. There are a couple of different IV sedatives out there. Here’s what you should know about them.

What IV Sedatives Are Out There?

Part of the reason IV sedation is so effective is that there are several different different drugs out there. However, there are four that are used most often:

• Midazolam: This sedative belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, reducing anxiety incredibly safely. The substance should take effect within only a few minutes, and can last anywhere from 60-120 minutes. Patients may not remember much of the treatment when under the effect of this sedative.
• Propofol: Unlike some other sedatives, propofol wears off incredibly quickly. That being the case, it will usually have to be continually administered throughout the treatment. However, it also means that you won’t be as groggy after the treatment. Propofol is often incorporated with soybean oil, glycerol and egg lecithin, which means that the injection itself may be a little uncomfortable until the sedatives takes effect.
• Ketamine: Derived from the psychedelic drug phencyclidine, ketamine has gained popularity in recent years as an effective sedative. It’s commonly mixed with other sedatives. It also hasn’t been approved for patients under 16, and may be problematic for patients with heart problems.
• Dexmedetomidine: While many sedatives are designed to keep patients awake for their treatment, dexmedetomidine induces a brain pattern similar to what you’d experience while sleeping. It’s also very powerful, which means that it’s typically only used at low doses.

If you’re worried about an upcoming procedure, talk to your dentist about whether IV sedation could be useful for you, and what style of sedative you may want to use.

About the Author

Dr. Lindsey Hammond was raised here in Tulsa, and it’s enormously gratifying for her to be able to help members of her community look and feel her best. For her, dentistry is about forming relationships with her patients, and being able to meet people is just one more thing that makes this career more rewarding for her. Dr. Hammond received her degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, and is a member of both the American Dental Association and the Oklahoma State Dental Association.

If you have any questions about sedation dentistry, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (918) 254-8686.