IV Sedation for Bone Graft and Dental Implant: Is this Neccessary?

I have been speaking with my dentist about an implant on UL4, which has been subject to a previous apicectomy, and needs a sinus lift and (artificial) bone graft. He normally uses IV sedation for this procedure, and I am quite nervous about this, because I hate needles. I am not too squeemish about drills, but am I crazy to contemplate this procedure without sedation? He said he can do oral pre-med, but will I regret not getting the IV drugs? What are my options here? Thanks for your help.

4 Comments on IV Sedation for Bone Graft and Dental Implant: Is this Neccessary?

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Dr. Jeffrey Brook
11/9/2015
From a periodontist's viewpoint, IV sedation is almost never required for extractions, sinus lifts, and grafting related to implant placement. Less than 0.2% of the above procedures that are done in my office have been done with sedation and the other 98.8% of the procedures were completed comfortably for the patient under local anesthesia. Your dentist should be able to control all sensation with local anesthesia and can reduce your anxiety level with either oral medication or nitrous oxide analgesia. I utilize IV sedation only for the most anxious of patients who have longer appointments, much more complex treatment, and who usually also have a dental phobia. It should also be noted that I am NOT an oral surgeon, I cannot administer IV sedation myself, and need to call in a dental anesthesiologist for such procedures. It is much more routine to adminsiter IV sedation in an oral surgery office, and patients who have that level of apprehension should absolutely take advantage of that service if it will help them obtain the treatment they require. In summation, IV sedation is used for these procedures but the procedure can absolutely be completed comfortably for the patient without it. I hope this has helped you and good luck with your procedure. Dr. Brook
Johanna
7/10/2018
Periodontal surgery without sedation. Done .well &fine but some parts still 11/10 pain level, eg injection needles into roof of mouth ,bone graph injection .and 2 weeks recovery jaw bone pain& swelling tissues .concerning amount of pain meds taken . Don't quite relate to absolutely be completed comfortably .
Amanda
3/28/2019
Thank you so much! I feel much better about my appointment tomorrow.
Dr. H. Ryan Kazemi
11/9/2015
In my experience, IV sedation is a terrific option for any patient having bone grafting or dental implants. Patients report wonderful experiences when surgery is performed under IV sedation. It is appropriately given by oral surgeons who are well familiar with the technique.Some data about IV sedation and its safety: * Administered in our office by Dr. H. Ryan Kazemi * Requires an IV access and full monitoring * Recovery is quick: 30-45 minutes and the patient is often ready to go home * Requires patient to avoid drinking or eating anything for 8 hours before and to have some one as escort post-procedure. Dr. H. Ryan Kazemi

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