Achieve Genuine Relaxation
from Our Westfield Sedation Dentist
If you are one of the countless individuals who feels dread or trepidation when facing a visit to the dentist, you may think that feeling relaxed in the dental chair is impossible. At the office of Dr. David M. Weinman, we believe that everyone deserves a comfortable experience and exceptional dental care, so we offer a proven treatment option that eliminates dental anxiety altogether: IV sedation.
Why Choose IV Sedation?
IV sedation offers a wide variety of benefits in dental applications, allowing millions of patients to receive the vital oral health treatment they need without pain or anxiety. Many men and women harbor a deep-seated fear of visiting the dentist. This fear may lead them to avoid scheduling any type of appointment, from a routine cleaning to gum disease therapy or a common filling. When dental care is avoided for any length of time, these and other problems only worsen. This results in a cycle of fear and pain that could have been avoided with earlier treatment.
Fortunately, IV sedation takes both the pain and the fear out of your dental experience. A fast-acting, proven-safe medication is administered via an intravenous line, and the patient begins to feel calm and relaxed within moments. All vital signs are monitored throughout the duration of the procedure. Tension and nervousness disappear, leaving you to feel carefree and comfortable. The majority of patients under IV sedation remember very little of their treatment when the sedation wears off, if they recall anything at all.
IV sedation isn’t only for patients who experience fear or anxiety when visiting the dentist. Dr. Weinman may recommend this particular form of safe sedation for patients who are affected by:
- Resistance to traditional numbing methods (can’t stay numb with anesthetic)
- An especially strong gag reflex
- Difficulty sitting still due to special needs
- Pain in the back or neck when lying down for an extended period
Sedation Dentistry Experts You Can Trust
In order to provide our patients with added convenience and unparalleled care, our office features an on-site anesthesiologist, Glen Atlas, M.D., M.Sc. Dr. Atlas is widely renowned and revered for his experience and expertise; in fact, he is a professor at the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Additionally, he is a professor at the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Rutgers University.
Board certified in both anesthesiology and pain management, Dr. Atlas possesses the skills and clinical knowledge needed to provide our patients with a safe, pain-free, and fear-free experience. With Dr. Weinman and Dr. Atlas, you’ll never have to dread another visit to the dentist again.
IV Sedation FAQs
Thanks to IV sedation, even patients with strong dental fears or anxieties can have a relaxing experience in the dental chair. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you have about the sedation process so that you can decide whether it’s the right choice for your next appointment. Of course, we know that some people prefer to do their own research, so to make things easier for you, we’ve answered some of the most common IV sedation questions below.
Is IV Sedation Safe?
IV sedation is perfectly safe in most cases, but it might interact badly with certain types of medication, and it may not be suitable for patients suffering from specific health conditions. We will carefully review your medical history to see if there’s anything we need to be concerned about before we move forward with administering IV sedation.
We’ll take every precaution to make sure that you stay safe while under the effects of the sedative. Our team will keep an eye on your blood pressure, oxygen levels, heart rate, and other vital signs. Additionally, our experienced on-site anesthesiologist will be there to help you avoid any complications.
How Long Does IV Sedation Last?
Generally, much of the effect of IV sedation will wear off not too long after your procedure is complete. That said, you will probably feel somewhat groggy for the next several hours. For your safety, you should arrange to have a friend or family member drive you home after your procedure and plan on resting for the remainder of the day. It typically takes about 24 hours for the effects of IV sedation to fully wear off, so avoid operating any heavy machinery during that time.
Will I Feel Any Pain During IV Sedation?
IV sedation does not put you to sleep; you’ll still be conscious and able to respond to our questions and instructions. That being said, the sedative will suppress your body’s ability to register pain. At most, you might experience some pressure.
Additionally, we might numb your mouth with a local anesthetic for certain treatments. As a result, you will experience little to no discomfort during the procedure. Once the anesthetic and the sedative wear off, you might experience some soreness in your mouth depending on what treatment was performed, but we’ll give you aftercare instructions for making it as manageable as possible.
Is IV Sedation Covered by Insurance?
In many cases, the answer is no because most dental insurance plans consider all types of sedation dentistry to be a luxury treatment. However, sometimes an exception is made if:
- The patient has a condition such as cerebral palsy or Parkinson’s disease that makes it extremely difficult for them to receive dental care without being sedated.
- The patient is undergoing a complex procedure, such as having multiple teeth extracted.
Every dental plan is different, so it’s worth reaching out to your insurance carrier to see if any coverage is available for IV sedation. Our team can review your plan with you and explain your options for making your care more affordable.
Schedule Your Visit Today
If you have spent any considerable length of time avoiding the dentist due to anxiety or fear of pain, we want to put your apprehension to rest. Contact our Westfield, NJ office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Weinman or to learn more about how IV sedation can help you receive the vital care you need in complete comfort. Our team welcomes patients from Union County, NJ and other surrounding areas.