Relax During Treatments
Dental anxiety may prevent patients from receiving the care they need. Some procedures, like dental implant placements, require a patient to be calm and relaxed to ensure the treatment goes smoothly. When local anesthesia isn’t enough, intravenous (IV) sedation can help.
This method of dental sedation has been proven to be effective in keeping the patient calm yet responsive. Read our guide to learn more about this unique form of sedation.
What Is IV Sedation?
Intravenous (IV) sedation is a safe and effective method of sedation applied through a needle into a patient’s arm or hand. The volume and types of chemicals injected can be easily controlled by Dr. Chaudhry. This will ensure that the patient enters a state of extreme relaxation, but is still conscious enough to answer questions if needed.
IV sedation is also considered one of the safest methods to relieve dental anxiety and prepare a patient for surgical dental treatments. It can be monitored and controlled more closely than oral conscious sedation. In addition, the patient will have no memory of the procedure.
Benefits of IV Sedation
While any form of dental sedation will help ease a patient’s anxiety, IV sedation comes with a few advantages that make it an appealing option for many patients. Some benefits include:
- Swift Administration: Some sedation methods must be taken hours before a procedure, but IV sedation works within minutes.
- Controlled and Monitored Administration: The amount of sedative can be increased or decreased depending on the patient’s specific needs such as different stages of treatment, leaving control in the expert hands of Dr. Chaudhry.
- Consciousness: Unlike general anesthesia, IV sedation doesn’t put patients to sleep, and instead puts them in a state of deep relaxation.
- No Gag Reflex: Patients who may have an over-sensitive gag reflex won’t have any trouble with IV sedation. They’ll feel no pain or sensitivity during their procedure.
Candidacy for IV Sedation
Most patients are ideal candidates for IV sedation, as it’s a common sedative that can be used for many procedures. Dr. Chaudhry will likely clear you for IV sedation if you have:
- Dental anxiety
- Low pain threshold
- History of bad dental experiences
- Sensitive gag reflex
- Difficulty with other forms of dental sedation
- Complex dental procedures
- Sufficient oral and overall health
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be awake during my procedure with IV sedation?
There’s a common misconception that IV sedation puts patients to sleep, but it doesn’t. General anesthesia is what’s used during medical surgeries, but for less complicated procedures like placing implants, there is no deeper sedation needed.
Is IV sedation the same as general anesthesia?
General anesthesia is typically reserved for invasive and complex dental procedures. An anesthesiologist administers this type of sedation and renders the patient unconscious.
For patients undergoing simple or minimally invasive procedures, IV sedation may be recommended if they have heightened dental anxiety or a gag reflex. Patients won’t fall asleep, and they can enjoy a shorter recovery time. It’s also a much safer option than general anesthesia.
How long do the effects of sedation last after the procedure?
It typically takes about 24 hours for the effects of IV sedation to subside. You may experience some drowsiness, headaches, nausea, and dry mouth during this time. It’s also likely you’ll have difficulty remembering the procedure.
Before the procedure, you should arrange for a ride home, as it won’t be safe for you to operate a vehicle. Dr. Chaudhry will likely instruct you to stay hydrated and rested, as well as avoid any activities that could harm you or another person.
Don’t let anxiety stand in your way.