Whether you have a sensitive gag reflex, require a surgical procedure or have simply had a bad dental experience in the past, then you know not all dental experiences are positive ones. But if need more than just a simple check up and don’t feel as though oral or inhalation sedation will be enough, then IV sedation might be worth considering.
IV sedation is also known as conscious sedation and sleep or twilight dentistry and it is the most advanced form of dental sedation. But what’s involved in undertaking IV sedation at the dentist?
What is IV sedation?
IV sedation in terms of dentistry differs from other surgical procedures in that it’s performed under a general anaesthetic. However, it is milder than a full anaesthetic so you are not unconscious but in an induced, highly relaxed state. This means that your body will also retain the ability to breath unassisted as opposed to general aesthetic in a hospital setting where you need a ventilating machine.
You should feel no pain during the procedure, and when you ‘wake up’ you will have no memory of the smells, noises or dental procedure and will feel like no time has passed at all. You will basically feel like you’ve had a deep and satisfying sleep!
Do dentists need to be qualified to administer it?
In terms of IV sedation at the dentist, yes, practitioners need to have the required qualifications and only dentists including dental specialists whose registration is endorsed for conscious sedation can use this technique in their practice. Ongoing education and training is also required for endorsed dental practitioners. This Registration Standard requires endorsed dentists to complete an approved competency based course in dental sedation and medical emergencies before applying to renew their registration.
The procedure is also carefully regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Authority (AHPRA). The AHPRA only approves sedation techniques for use by suitably qualified practitioners in practices that are also approved in terms of the facilities, equipment and staff.
What’s involved in the procedure?
If undergoing IV sedation at the dentist, when you come in for your dental procedure, it will usually take around 20 minutes for your anaesthetist or qualified dentist to place in an IV line and administer sedation. Conscious sedation uses a combination of sedative and pain-relieving drugs and anaesthetic cream is also often used beforehand in order to reduce the sensation of the IV line being put in.
During the procedure, the team will constantly monitor your blood pressure and measure your pulse and oxygen levels. A specialist anaesthetist or your qualified dentist will stay by your side for the entire procedure to ensure your safety and comfort, and you are afforded state of the art safety and monitoring equipment.
If you’re having several different procedures, the sedation may be adjusted with more being used during an extraction and less being used for a filling for example. Dentists will also often lower the level of sedation during a filling procedure so that you still feel relaxed but can offer feedback in terms of how comfortable you are.
What’s involved pre- and post-procedure?
Before the procedure, your dental professional will run through your medical history, and issues like heart problems may mean you will need to have your dental procedure under IV sedation in an ‘outpatients’ hospital setting.
If you have undergone twilight dentistry at a dental surgery, after a short period of recovery you’ll be awake and can walk around. However, if you sit down and rest you may very well fall asleep again! This is why patients should not drive or use heavy equipment after the procedure and should have someone with them at home after the procedure is completed.
Why should I choose conscious sedation?
One of the main reasons patients choose to undergo conscious sedation is due to fear and anxiety. In some people this is due to having heard frightening stories or having had less than ideal dental experiences in the past. This fear is difficult to overcome and often amplified by years of avoiding dental appointments. Patients undergoing surgical procedures or potentially uncomfortable implant replacement or wisdom teeth removal also often choose this procedure as they are happy to not have to remember it at all!
Some people also elect to have twilight dentistry because they have a hypersensitive gag reflex that can make regular dental treatments difficult if not possible to perform. Others aren’t necessarily fearful, they just have extensive treatment needs which involve multiple dental appointments. With sedation dentistry, a range of treatments can usually be performed in the one visit, which makes the whole process extremely efficient.
How do I go about undertaking IV sedation?
The first step toward undertaking the procedure is to talk to your dentist. They will assess both your general and dental health, your treatment needs and outcomes and answer any of your questions. This consultation will allow them to decide whether IV sedation is the best option for you or whether they recommend another form of sedation such as light sedation through inhalation or oral sedation.
What does IV sedation at the dentist cost?
This will obviously depend on the procedure/s required, the duration of your appointment and the type of sedation you require. During your initial examination and treatment planning session, you will be normally be provided with a detailed estimate of all work being undertaken including the cost of sedation. Medicare will normally contribute towards your anaesthetist’s fee and some rebates are normally also available through your health insurance provider.
In terms of cost, one of the biggest advantages of IV sedation at the dentist compared to a hospital treatment is that the procedure can be completed in the comfort and convenience of your dental practice, saving you considerable time and money.
Do you need to undergo dental surgery and keen to try IV sedation? Contact the friendly staff at Australia Dental on (07) 3888 9125 or (07) 3284 7112 to book an appointment today.
Do you suspect that your baby or toddler may be teething? This article will guide you through teething symptoms in babies and toddlers, what to expect when it comes to a teething timeline, how to inspect your child’s gums safely, tips for baby teething relief, and advice on when to see a dentist about your child’s teething process.
Baby Teething Symptoms
Teething symptoms in babies and toddlers are often very similar. At any age, signs of teething may include:
- Red, swollen or bulging gums
- Excessive drooling
- Flushed cheeks or a facial rash
- Chewing, gnawing or sucking on their fist or toys
- Rubbing or pulling their ear on the same side as an erupting tooth
- Restless sleep and crying at night
- Difficulty with feeding
- A fever or diarrhoea
Teething Timeline
Teething at 3 Months
Can your baby grow and cut milk teeth at 3 months old? While the first signs of teething typically occur between 4 and 6 months of age, it’s quite common for teeth to erupt at 3 months old due to heredity. Behaviour such as biting and chewing on fingers and toys can encourage teeth to arrive early.
Typically, the first teeth to erupt are the two in the front bottom (lower central incisors), followed by the upper central incisors and upper lateral incisors at 8 to 12 months. Your baby’s lower lateral incisors will erupt between 10 to 16 months, until they have six teeth in total.
Teething Molars
Your baby’s molars are the last teeth to arrive. While the exact timing will vary from child to child, most first top molars erupt between 13 and 20 months of age. The first bottom molars typically emerge between 14 and 18 months of age.
How Long Will Teething Last?
Teething can last for a year or more. Most children will have their full set of 20 milk teeth by the time they are 3 years old. When they reach 5 or 6, these teeth will start to fall out, creating room for adult teeth.
What Do Teething Gums Look Like?
Make sure your hands and fingers are clean before you examine your baby’s mouth. Peel back your baby’s lip very gently to examine her gums.
Do you see bulging pink gums, especially around the molars, or a small white bud that could be your baby’s first tooth? You might also spot a bluish buildup of fluid called a teething blister or eruption cyst. Although you should avoid touching it, this blister is absolutely normal and will usually go away without treatment. If it does not, speak with your dentist.
Next, gently touch or massage your baby’s gums to feel for a hard tooth growing underneath. This can help provide relief to your baby and help you figure out if they are teething.
Baby Teething Relief
Is your teething baby crying hysterically during the day or at night? If so, you might be wondering about solutions for baby teething relief, how to soothe a teething baby at night, or how you can help them sleep.
There are many simple and homemade ways to soothe a baby’s painful gums. However, if you find that your baby is experiencing a lot of distress, it may be worthwhile to visit your dentist, who can examine your baby’s growing tooth buds and offer personalised advice.
Here are some of the best methods for baby teething relief (that don’t involve using pain relief products or harmful teething gels):
- Give your baby something cool to bite on to relieve the pressure and ease the pain, such as a clean, damp face cloth (washed in an unscented detergent for sensitive skin, and left in the fridge for 30 minutes).
- Gently massage your baby’s gums with one or two clean fingers in a circular motion to help numb the pain. This can stimulate the gums and get you both in the habit of daily oral cleaning.
- Give your baby a teething toy, such as a solid, silicone-based teething ring that has been chilled in the fridge (not frozen in the freezer), to help relieve discomfort.
- Gently wipe away drool regularly with a soft cloth to avoid skin irritation, adding to your child’s discomfort.
If your baby is six months old or older:
- Encourage small, frequent sips of icy cold water from a feeding cup or bottle throughout the day.
- Give them a cold piece of raw fruit or vegetable to chew on, such as a small piece of chilled apple, carrot or cucumber.
- Offer them a cold liquid such as fruit puree, blended peaches or plain yoghurt to help soothe their gums.
What Should I Do If My Teething Child Has Difficulty With Feeding?
If your baby is breastfeeding, you may discover they feed eagerly at first, then pull back because the sucking action makes their gums and ear canals uncomfortable. If this is the case, wait a few minutes, try some of the methods of baby teething pain relief describe above, and try again until your baby seems satisfied.
If your baby is old enough to eat solids, eating with a spoon while teething can irritate their delicate or inflamed gums. During this time, you may opt to nurse or bottle-feed more often.
When Should I Talk To A Dentist About My Child’s Teething?
If you are worried about your baby’s teething, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your dentist. A dental examination will help your dentist investigate potential problems and alleviate any fears you may have. Teething is a natural rite of passage for every child, but complications may sometimes emerge. Remember to inform your dentist about the signs and symptoms your baby or toddler has been experiencing, and what steps you have taken to help soothe them.
Need advice about your child’s teething symptoms and help for soothing the pain? Contact the friendly staff at Australia Dental on (07) 3888 9125 or (07) 3284 7112 to book a dental appointment today.
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