If you’ve been avoiding the dentist because of anxiety, fear, or traumatic memories, you are not alone! IV sedation has helped many adults and children get the oral health care they need while you stay relaxed and calm.

While many dentists are still performing both the anesthesia and dental treatment at the same time, this type of single operator model has been proven to be unsafe.

It’s important to have a separate nurse anesthetist, whose sole purpose is to perform the sedation and monitor the patient’s vital signs. Ensure they are experienced and properly trained in providing IV sedation, as well as meeting all the standards of the ADA Guidelines for the Use of Sedation and General Anesthesia by Dentists.

How IV Sedation For Dentistry Works

IV sedation is administered intravenously through a vein in the back of the hand or crook of the elbow. The medication takes effect immediately because it is administered directly into the bloodstream. Considerably faster than any other type of sedation.

While you won’t be completely unconscious, you will be completely relaxed. So much so, that you won’t even remember the sounds, smells, or sights going on around you.

After the procedure, most people don’t even remember anything about the appointment. You won’t even notice that any time went by.

Because of the deep level of relaxation during IV sedation, your vital signs will need to be carefully monitored by a properly trained third party. This includes your breathing and heart rate to ensure all safety precautions are taken.

Though you will have little memory of the visit, you will be able to communicate with the dentist throughout the procedure. For the highest level of safety, a CRNA will monitor all your vital signs and breathing.

Continuous Monitoring

Throughout the dental procedure your vital signs will be continuously monitored. This includes blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels. The training of the CRNA will detect any signs of complications and take immediate action.

Post Sedation Care

Within 30 to 60 minutes after waking you will be safe to go home with another adult and you will be provided with written discharge instructions from your nurse anesthesiologist. For the rest of the day you should rest and drink lots of fluid.

You can expect a follow-up phone call later that day from the nurse anesthesiologist that provided your sedation to answer any questions, make sure the sedation was to your satisfaction, and that you are recovering well

Blue Sky Anesthesia Associates is proud to bring safe sedation to your dentist office in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine