Your Sedation Dentist in Fort Lauderdale can help you receive your dental care in comfort

Who can benefit from IV sedation at the dentist?

According the American Dental Association (ADA) more than 22% of people delay seeking dental treatment due to fear or anxiety.  Putting off visiting your dentist in Fort Lauderdale increases your risk of not only cavities but also severe dental infections, painful toothache, or tooth loss. The good news is Dr. Gerard Wasselle at Excellence in Dentistry  provides dental sedation to help anxious or fearful patients obtain their necessary dental care in relaxed comfort.  Sedation dentistry  may also be appropriate for people who:

• have a low pain threshold
• need wisdom teeth extraction
• are undergoing dental surgery (teeth extraction, dental implant placement)
• are unable to sit in the dentist's chair for long periods
• have a strong gag reflex
• need extensive dental work that must be completed

What is IV sedation?

During IV sedation, your Fort Lauderdale dentist administers an anti-anxiety drug intravenously. This mode of sedation begins to work quickly because it is delivered directly to the bloodstream which also allows your dentist to continually adjust your level of sedation throughout your dental procedure.  Because IV sedation is a form of conscious sedation, patients are not actually asleep but in an extremely relaxed state.  Patients are aware of their surrounding and are able to respond to the dentist’s instructions. 

Does Dental Insurance Cover Sedation? 

Every insurance policy is different so it is best to check with your dental insurance. Many insurance companies identify the benefits of sedation dentistry for their patients and cover the procedure for various dental procedures including teeth extractions, wisdom teeth extraction, oral surgeries, placement of dental implants.  Some dental companies do not cover sedation dentistry. Whether you have Cigna, Aetna, Metlife, Humana, Delta or any other dental insurance company, our staff will contact your insurance to verify coverage for this procedure.

What are the benefits of IV sedation over other forms of sedation?

Compared to other forms of sedation used in dentistry, IV sedation is most beneficial because:

• The effects of the sedatives administered directly to the bloodstream are achieved quickly and last a shorter duration. Oral sedation takes longer to take affect and can last longer than the procedure requires.
• With IV sedation, you will be able to breathe on your own.   
• The amnesic effect associated with IV sedation means the patient has little or no memory of the procedure. 
• Recovery from IV sedation is faster and more comfortable than other forms of anesthesia.

Whether you need extensive dental treatment, have had a previous traumatic dental experience, require wisdom teeth extraction or have dental anxiety,  Dr. Gerard Wasselle at Excellence in Dentistry can help you receive the dental care you need. Call our office at 954-928-1666 to schedule a consultation to discuss if IV sedation is right for you.  Our office is conveniently located at 2480 E. Commercial Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale.