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IV
Sedation
IV sedation
is a technique used by specially trained dentists to keep patients comfortably sedated through an
entire appointment. Unlike general anesthesia, which also is delivered
intravenously, IV sedation is a form of conscious sedation where the patient is never completely asleep.
What is IV Sedation?
IV sedation is a form of conscious sedation where we use an IV line in your arm or hand to administer the
sedative drugs.
What is Conscious Sedation?
Conscious sedation is modern dentistry that lets even the most high
fear patient have a relaxing and comfortable dental
visit. Since the patient is comfortable, we are able to
accomplish the work of several appointments in just one. While the goal of
general anesthesia is for the patient to sleep, in dentistry it is much more
common to use conscious sedation, where the patient is sedated and
comfortable, yet still awake. When we use conscious sedation, you don’t
really fall asleep, even though sometimes it feels like you did. That’s
because sedation feels so relaxing and peaceful that
the patient doesn’t even notice the passing of time. Many of the medications used in conscious sedation have an amnesiac
effect as well, leaving patients with little or no memory of their dental
appointment, and further adding to the feeling that the patient was asleep.
Is IV Sedation for me?
IV sedation is wonderful and incredibly
effective for most healthy adults. For many, it is the
answer they have been looking for all their life.
Discuss sedation with us if any of the following
sound like you:
- You are uncomfortable in a dental surgery
- You are too scared to even call the dentist and
make an appointment
- You can’t stand the smell and sounds of a
dental surgery
- You are delaying treatment you know you need
- You are in pain when you eat, but too anxious
about the dentist to take care of it
- You have trouble getting numb - the anesthetic
doesn’t seem to work on you
- You are concerned about how many dental
appointments you know you’ll need
- You are looking for a way to have the work of
several appointments done in just one or two
- You remember bad experiences with a dentist in
your past
- You need your wisdom teeth removed
- You have a strong gag reflex, especially when
the dentist is working in your mouth
- You have trouble with jaw soreness when you
have to keep your mouth open
- You have back or neck pain when you sit in a
dental chair
What can I expect
from IV Sedation?
Since you will be receiving sedative medication, you will need an escort to
drive you to the appointment. If you are concerned about getting a needle, we
have techniques to make you comfortable before the IV is started. The
dentistry will all be performed while you are relaxed and totally
comfortable. When it is safe for you to travel, your escort will
take you home, and then you will rest comfortably for the rest of the day.
Is IV Sedation Safe?
IV sedation is very safe as well as effective. We have
received advanced training specifically designed to increase
the safety and effectiveness of the sedation, and has been certified and
licensed.
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