Dental anxiety can create a huge obstacle to taking care of your teeth. Nearly a quarter of all patients skip their dental appointments because they fear the dentist, according to the American Dental Association. Thankfully, modern dentistry provides several solutions for finding peace of mind in the dental chair. IV sedation dentistry is just one of those options for easing your dental anxiety.

What Is IV Sedation Dentistry?

IV sedation is also referred to as conscious sedation; the goal of which is to help you feel relaxed during your appointment. Conscious sedation makes you less aware of your surroundings — including the dental procedure. It turns off the subconscious part of your mind that is fearful and allows the anesthesia to work well. You will still be able to respond to verbal commands and you should not need assistance maintaining regular breathing. Unlike other forms of sedation that are inhaled (like laughing gas) or taken in pill form, the dentist administers the sedation intravenously, which means through your vein. Dr. Strepka completed additional training with the University of Alabama Oral Surgery Residency program in order to offer this service. The ability to be completely relaxed is a luxury, one that we are proud to provide.

Dr. Strepka is certified in Level 3 sedation, advanced cardiac life support, pediatric advanced life support and pediatric and adult protective stabilization.

Dr. Strepka has earned his fellowship award in the Academy of General Dentistry, an honor bestowed on less than 7 percent of dentists!

This fellowship is awarded for completing more than 500 hours of continuing education and passing a rigorous exam.

Are you a good candidate for Sedation?

Before your sedation appointment at Sandalwood, Dr. Strepka will review your medical and prescription history. Patients who are older or have significant medical considerations might first require a consultation with their primary care physician or medical professional. Typically, good candidates for IV sedation include:

- Those with moderate to high dental anxiety
- Those with a strong gag reflex or trouble getting numb
- Those who need longer or multiple procedures

If dental anxiety prevents you from receiving the treatment you need, please let us know so that we can chat with you about sedation as an option.

IV sedation provides several benefits:

It starts working almost instantly, allowing our team to get right to work while you rest.
- Dr. Strepka can monitor your vitals in real time and respond with whatever intervention is necessary.
- It creates a long period of amnesia, so you won’t remember much or any of the procedure when you wake up.
- It allows us to work efficiently because you are comfortable. This allows us to accomplish multiple procedures in a shorter amount of time.
- It feels like you have taken a really nice nap!

Get started with IV Sedation in Cypress, TX?

Contact our office today at 281-758-1555 or schedule your appointment. We're happy to answer any questions, inquiries, or concerns you may have about IV Sedation.