Enhancing Dental Care: The Synergy of Intra Venous Sedation and The Wand Technology

Stages of Intra Venous Sedation

Preoperative Stage

• Patient Selection and Assessment: Ideal candidates for IVS are those with minimal or well-controlled medical issues. A comprehensive medical and dental examination should be performed, with clear and concise explanations provided to the patient to avoid overwhelming them with clinical information.
• Consent and Preparation: Patients, particularly women of childbearing age, should be asked about pregnancy or breastfeeding. They must provide consent for the procedure and are advised to bring a chaperone. Patients should be informed about the need to avoid alcohol for 24 hours before and after the procedure, and in some cases, follow a nil-by-mouth protocol for six hours before surgery.
• Vital Signs Recording: Preoperative assessment should include recording the patient’s vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen saturation.

Perioperative Stage

• Day of Treatment: On the day of the procedure, clinical staff should ensure the patient is accompanied by a responsible adult. The treatment plan should be reviewed, and an additional consent form completed to ensure all information is clear.
• Medication Administration: A cannula is inserted into the patient’s hand or arm for IV medication administration. Continuous monitoring of vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation, is essential throughout the procedure, with all observations documented in the patient’s records.

Postoperative Stage

• Recovery Monitoring: After the procedure, patients should be closely monitored until they fully recover, which includes ensuring they are alert and oriented. Recovery times may vary among patients.
• Discharge Instructions: Patients may feel drowsy or groggy post-procedure. They should be accompanied home and monitored for a few hours. Driving is not permitted for 24 hours, and patients are advised against online shopping or social media use immediately after treatment due to potential medication influence.
• Cannula Removal: The cannula is removed by a clinician or sedation-trained nurse. Postoperative instructions should be given to the patient’s escort in both written and verbal forms.

Integrating The Wand Technology

Combining IVS with The Wand technology can significantly enhance the dental experience, particularly for nervous patients, those with dental phobia, or a fear of needles. The Wand technology, a computer-controlled local anaesthesia delivery system, modifies how injections are performed, minimizing pain and anxiety.

By reducing the discomfort associated with injections and keeping anxiety levels low, patients can feel more confident and relaxed during their visits. This combination not only improves patient comfort but also helps in creating an innovative, high-tech image for the practice, promoting a more pleasant patient experience for all, including younger and nervous patients.

Addressing Nervous Patient Histories

Understanding the specific anxieties and triggers of patients with dental phobia is crucial for providing tailored care. Encouraging patients to communicate their fears through a detailed form can offer invaluable insights. This proactive approach allows dental professionals to prepare thoroughly for appointments, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable patient journey.

Benefits of the Combined Approach

The synergy of IVS and The Wand technology offers a significant advantage in treating patients with dental anxiety. It creates a more pleasant and comfortable environment, enabling dentists and oral surgeons to deliver optimal care without the added stress and anxiety typically experienced by nervous patients.

Conclusion

The combination of intra venous sedation and The Wand technology represents a significant advancement in clinical dentistry. By addressing both pain and anxiety, this approach enhances patient comfort, supports innovative practice, and ensures a high-quality dental experience for all patients, especially those who are anxious or phobic about dental visits.

Author:
Dr. Mahesh Kotli – DwSI Oral Surgery