Can I be put to sleep (IV) and get an extensive amount of dental work done all at one time?

Question

I am a 39 yr old single mom on a budget. I have 2 missing upper teeth (I had a partial done and it doesn't fit + I can't even talk or eat) but I have 4-5 other broken teeth and multiple cavities but terrified and embarrassed to even see a dentist. My teeth are broken/cracked from clinching too. I'm SO scared and embarrassed. I haven't smiled or eaten in front of anyone in 2 years. Tired of hurting, hiding in my home and being depressed. Humiliation.....please help me. I have dental insurance.

Sean Mohtashami, DDS · Answer

There is no need to be embarrassed - we're dentists, this is what we're here for. Yes, IV sedation is certainly possible, just make sure your dentist is certified to administer this. You'll be okay!

Dan Holtzclaw, DDS, MS · Answer

Yes you can certainly have IV sedation for extensive dental work.  Just make sure that your dentist is either IV certified or has an anesthesiologist that comes into the office to do the sedations for him/her.  Some dentists will try to tell you that oral sedation is just as good as IV sedation.  They are, in fact, different and require different levels of certification by the state.  For smaller amounts of dental work, oral sedation or even Nitrous Oxide can be a nice option.  If you are needing extensive work and you want to be "out" for the procedure, IV is probably the way to go.
As for being embarrassed about your smile, that's what we dentists are here for.  We are here to help.

Majid Jamali, DMD · Answer

Of course you can. you should contact a dentist who works with a dental anesthesiologist or can bring a regular MD anesthesiologist to office and administer IV sedation

Lawrence Ebel, DMD · Answer

Hello,
 I think that you should know all of your treatment options and the first step is to see a dentist in your area. Please know that we are here to help and that we wont judge you. To answer your question, there are dentists who are trained in IV sedation and can use that for your dental anxiety to complete all your treatment assuming you meet all the medical requirements..

Alphonse Gargiulo, DDS, MS · Answer

It sounds like you are overwhelmed! Take a breath and make an appointment with a dentist for a thorough evaluation.  Speak to friends and family and get some recommendations of dentists in your dental insurance network. Your mouth did not get into this condition overnight and  will need to be restored but a comprehensive treatment plan that the dentist can provide will give you all your options.  Take the first step.  If you ignore your teeth they will go away (corny but true).  You can do it!!!!

Can I be put to sleep (IV) and get an extensive amount of dental work done all at one time?

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Can I be put to sleep (IV) and get an extensive amount of dental work done all at one time?

Answers (7)

Answer: Treatment options

Answer: Treatment options

Answer: One step at a time

Answer: One step at a time

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Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.