Frenectomy with IV sedation?

[selene1123]

I'm heading towards the end of my time in braces, and I'm scheduled to have a frenectomy next week (eek!) Since my dental insurance is horrible and I am already going through the dental school for my braces, my ortho recommended I also do the frenectomy through the school, in the perio surgical dept. The consult went great, but one thing is worrying me - they aren't doing local numbing, they've ordered IV sedation. When I asked the perio about this, she said that is their policy because the procedure may take longer since she will be observed and shadowed the whole time. Is that normal? Most of the frenectomy experiences I've read about on this site have only involved locals... would a university be different?

[ajs604]

Hi, I had a frenectomy done last year under a local block. There is no real need for IV sedation unless its the policy of the surgeon/dentist. Personally I would rather have a local as you can drive directly afterwards without feeling sleepy.