Sedation dentistry has helped millions of patients worldwide turn back the clock on dental damage and neglect and achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. While there’s no “typical” sedation dentistry patient, most folks who opt for sedation do so because the thought of a dental visit evokes feelings of fear.
“But I’m not scared,” you say. Great! You can still benefit from sedation dentistry performed by Chesapeake’s Comfort Dentist, Dr. Robert Simmons. (more…)
Dr. Robert Simmons is a leading Chesapeake general and sedation dentist who offers top-of-the-line care for strong, healthy smiles. He understands the specific needs of patients with 
dental fear and offers soothing solutions to combat the anxiety and unease many people experience at the mere thought of a dental visit. Today, we’ll review IV sedation and oral conscious sedation. By learning all that you can about your options, you’ll make good decisions about what’s best for your unique dental needs.
First, let’s define IV sedation and oral conscious sedation…
IV Sedation: This form of sedation is administered directly into the bloodstream via an intravenous line placed in the hand or arm. The sedating effects are felt almost immediately – within two to three minutes. IV sedation induces a state of intense relaxation between wakefulness and sleep. Some call it “twilight” sleep. Dr. Simmons can precisely administer and adjust the level of sedation for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
You’ve probably heard about IV sedation, but do you know how it works? As a leader in sedation dentistry, Chesapeake’s Dr. Robert Simmons often receives questions about the types of sedation that he offers, including their benefits and uses. Today, we want to discuss IV sedation, the deepest form of sedation that our practice offers, and debunk some common myths.
IV Sedation – What is it?
First, let’s explain IV sedation. This safe, effective technique involves sedating medication delivered directly into the bloodstream (intravenously) via the hand or arm to eliminate anxiety, promote relaxation, and halt sensations of discomfort. IV sedation is ideal for patients who experience moderate to extreme dental anxiety, want to complete numerous dental treatments in a single appointment, and/or require lengthy dental procedures.
Myth 1: IV sedation puts patients completely under.
IV sedation induces intense relaxation, which makes some people fall asleep. However, patients are never completely under, or unconscious. The sedating medication produces an amnesiac effect, so patients have little or no memory of treatment details.
Myth 2: Patients can’t breathe on their own during IV sedation.
All respiratory and cardiovascular functions continue normally during IV sedation. Our expert team uses advanced technology to carefully monitor breathing and heart rate throughout a sedation dentistry appointment for a safe, comfortable, and successful experience.
Myth 3: IV sedation is the same as general anesthesia.
IV sedation and general anesthesia are two different methods of sedation. General anesthesia involves the use of IV-administered medications and inhaled gases that render patients unconscious and suppress bodily functions, including breathing. During IV sedation, patients remain conscious, although profoundly relaxed, and they breathe unassisted.
Myth 4: Any dentist can perform IV sedation.
Only dentists with specialized training and certification can administer IV sedation. Dr. Simmons’ credentials include advanced training in all aspects of sedation dentistry, including IV sedation. He’s a member of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology (ADSA) and the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS). The doctor received IV sedation certification from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at the Montefiore Medical Center in New York City, and he’s qualified to administer IV sedation in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In fact, our entire team is highly trained in administering IV sedation. We have the skill and experience Chesapeake patients depend on for safe, comfortable sedation and quality care.
Want to learn more about IV sedation? Call our office to schedule a sedation dentistry consultation with Dr. Simmons. He’ll answer all of your questions and help you determine if IV sedation is the right solution for your needs.
As we’ve discussed in our articles on this blog, many people avoid dental visits out of fear. Their concerns can range from fear of needles and injections to distasteful odors and sounds. Just hearing a dental drill can set a person’s anxiety on high alert! Dr. Robert Simmons has helped countless patients work through their fears and get the care they need to regain and maintain good oral health. Our Chesapeake practice has been specifically designed for patients just like you: someone who wants minimum-stress path to a whole and healthy mouth. Dr. Simmons blends a compassionate approach to dental care with creative solutions that cater to nervous patients.
Solutions to a few common hurdles:
After decades of treating Chesapeake-area patients, Dr. Simmons has learned a lot about people and their feelings about dentists and dentistry. Unfortunately, many people have had 
negative experiences at a dental visit in the past, and the result is often that they avoid making appointments when they desperately need care, sometimes for years at a time. If you’ve been putting off a trip to the dentist, Dr. Simmons wants you to consider sedation dentistry, a wonderful way to regain oral health without fear. Wondering just who benefits from sedation dentistry? Read below to see if one of the following situations applies to you: