If you or a loved one has anxiety when it comes to go to the dentist, or maybe special needs, a gag reflex, not able to sit still for long periods of time, or a physical disability, it can make having any type of dental procedure traumatizing. IV sedation has become an effective solution.
Safe IV Sedation Brought To Your Dentist Office
IV Sedation is an Effective Solution
IV sedation is administered through a small needle directly to the bloodstream. Though it does not actually ‘put you to sleep’, you will be in a deep relaxed state. The patient will be able to respond to any questions the dentist ask, but will feel very comfortable and won’t remember much, if any, of the appointment.
Before the Appointment
Generally it is no eating 6 to 8 hours before the appointment, or no food after midnight if your an appointment is in the morning. To get a good night’s rest, we suggest not having caffeine the evening before.
Make sure you wear comfortable clothes and no jewelry. Since the sedation takes a few hours to wear off, you will need someone to drive you home.
During the Appointment
Once in the dental chair a Registered Certified Nurse Anesthetist will administer the IV sedation. This means you won’t have to feel the numbing shots in your mouth. For safety, the Nurse Anesthetist will monitor the patient’s oxygen, blood pressure, and vitals signs.
This will enable the dentist to concentrate all their attention on the procedure. While on sedation medication, most patients feel time passes very quickly. So, before you know it the treatment is finished and the patient won’t remember the details.
After the Appointment
Upon waking from your relaxed dreamlike state you will have no recollection of your dental procedure and minimal to no discomfort. In about 30 minutes, it will be time for you to go home. Someone else will have to drive you. You will be given written discharge instruction. 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 anesthetist that provided your sedation to answer any questions, make sure the sedation was to your satisfaction, and that you are recovering well.
IV sedation has become a game changer for many children and adults. Just imagine getting all the dental work in just one visit, then leaving the office with little to no memory of the procedure!
