Vista Dentist

IV Sedation DentistryVista, CA

Dr. Christopher Henninger and our team at North County Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry understand the challenges of finding a dentist for a patient who has a medical condition that can make receiving professional dental care. From patients with dental anxiety to other challenges, our team is dedicated to ensuring all patients can experience the benefits of the oral health care they need. We can help to provide the dental care patients need with IV sedation dentistry.

IV sedation dentistry involves using an intravenous form of sedation to help patients relax and remain still during the appointment and treatment. This way, the patient will be able to receive the care they need without their health issues getting in the way. We will help customize the treatment experience for each patient and determine if IV sedation dentistry is the right form of treatment.

Call us at 760-940-2273 to learn more about IV sedation dentistry or schedule an appointment.

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    Understanding IV Sedation Dentistry

    While there are several types of sedation dentistry, IV sedation works quickly so the patient will not be alert during the procedure. This way, they will not feel any sensations nor even remember portions of the appointment. We strive to help patients receive the proper treatment they need without dental anxiety getting in the way. Dr. Christopher Henninger is only 1 of 10 in San Diego County certified to provide IV sedation to patients.

    During an appointment, we will monitor the patient under IV sedation to ensure comfort and safety. Another benefit of IV sedation is that it is reversible. During a consultation, we will review the patient's medical history, current condition, allergies, insurance, and any other health issues we need to know about. We will use this information to help determine if the patient is a candidate for IV sedation or will benefit from a different type of sedation.

    Benefits of IV Sedation

    IV sedation helps to quickly deliver anesthesia to the patient's system so they can easily relax during treatment. The American Dental Association, ADA, explains that local anesthesia is "a type of medication used to prevent pain in a specific area of your mouth during treatment by blocking the nerves that sense or transmit pain." Along with that application, there are other benefits to using IV sedation including:

    • Helping patients relax and remain calm
    • Helping patients remain still during the procedure
    • Ensuring the patient does not feel any sensations or pain
    • Allowing patients with certain conditions or issues receive the dental care they need
    • Creating a more pleasant experience overall

    Patients who struggle with gag reflexes, a difficulty with keeping the mouth open for long periods of time, fear of needs, anxiety over visiting the dentist, and more, still need to seek professional dental care. We can help patients struggling with these issues have a more pleasant experience at our practice than what they may have experienced at other practices.

    Multiple Types of Sedation

    We provide various forms of dental sedation to help patients receive the care they need. From dental anxiety to Alzheimer's, autism, and other conditions, there is no reason to let them prevent you from receiving the care you need. Other sedation options we offer include:

    • Nitrous oxide
    • Oral sedation
    • Local anesthesia
    • General anesthetic

    While these other forms of sedation can be effective, it may not be as easy to administer certain types of sedation to patients. Along with that, some patients may need stronger sedation than others. Our team will help to determine which type of sedation meets the patient's needs.

    The IV Sedation Process

    We also provide IV sedation as part of our special needs dentistry for both children and adults. We will first need to evaluate the patient's medical history, current condition, allergies, insurance, and other health issues that make receiving dental care more challenging. We will then evaluate if the patient is a candidate for IV sedation or if we need to consider another option.

    During a consultation, we will go over the steps for this process and answer any questions the patient has. The length of time for the appointment will vary per each patient, depending on the type of treatment. We will have a professional team member present during the treatment to monitor the patient's vitals and ensure the patient's safety. After the procedure, the patient will need to have someone give them a ride home.

    Following the appointment, the patient will need to take time off from work or school to rest and wait for the effects of the sedation to wear off. If necessary, we will schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure everything is recovering properly.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long will the appointment take?

    The length of time for the appointment will vary per patient and the type of procedure. During the initial consultation, we will go over the procedure and help go over any details the patient needs.

    What do I need to do after the appointment?

    Following the procedure, we will wait for the immediate effects of the sedation to wear off before the patients begin to head home. The patient will need to have a loved one be there to drive the patient home. The patient will want to rest and let the rest of the effects from the sedation wear off. We may recommend medication to relieve pain in the cases of more intricate procedures.

    How long does IV sedation require to take effect?

    IV sedation is quick and will begin to take effect immediately. Thus, we will administer the sedation at the beginning of the appointment. Once the sedation takes effect, we will begin the procedure. We will not begin until that point to ensure the patient's comfort and safety.

    Is age a factor when considering IV sedation?

    Yes. We will determine if the patient can receive IV sedation or if another form of sedation is recommended. Dr. Christopher Henninger is only 1 of 10 in San Diego County certified to provide IV sedation to patients. Our team will take the time necessary to find the most effective and proper option of sedation for the patient.

    Is there anything I need to do to prepare for an appointment with IV sedation?

    It is recommended to avoid eating or drinking within 8 hours of receiving IV sedation. We will go over other steps to take during the consultation. Our goal is to help you receive the care you need while you remain as comfortable as possible. Don't let dental anxiety or other health issues get in the way of your oral health, call us today.

    Contact Us

    North County Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry is located at
    1934 Via Centre Ste A
    Vista, CA
    92081

    (760) 940-2273