IV Sedation
How It Works
Sedation dentistry can put you at ease and virtually eliminates the pain associated with dental procedures. Intravenous sedation or IV Sedation is one of several options available to significantly reduce your fears and discomfort.
Benefits of IV Sedation:
- It's extremely effective for moderate to severe anxiety
- It's quick-acting
- The level of sedation can be adjusted during the procedure so that you remain comfortable at all times
- In many cases, you can get ALL of your dental work done in one visit
During intravenous sedation (IV sedation), an anti-anxiety drug is administered into the bloodstream to achieve a state of "deep conscious sedation." Although you will not actually be asleep, you will enjoy a heightened state of relaxation — and probably won’t remember much about the procedure afterwards.
Throughout the IV Sedation procedure, your breathing, heart rate and blood pressure will be closely monitored. Patients generally recover quickly, although they may feel slightly groggy immediately afterwards. IV sedation is extremely safe when delivered by a specially trained dentist or anesthesiologist like those at Dental Professionals.
Two appointments are usually required. During your first visit, your dentist will describe the benefits and risks of IV sedation, patiently answer all of your questions and give you detailed instructions for the day of your procedure.
On the day of your procedure, you will need to have another adult with you to take you home. You should not perform strenuous activities, drive a motor vehicle or drink alcohol for the rest of the day. Do not take any medications prior to or following surgery unless your dentist has approved their safety.
Learn More:
Oral Sedation | Nitrous Oxide Sedation