What is IV Sedation Dentistry?
Intravenous, or IV, sedation is a way to make your experience getting dental treatment calmer and more comfortable. As the name implies, IV sedation dentistry uses IV sedation medications that are administered by inserting a small intravenous line directly into your vein. By administering the medication that way, the dentist is able to effectively control the level of sedation throughout your appointment. It is best applied to patients who wish to be relaxed but not be completely unconscious or oblivious to their surroundings, those with high dental anxiety, and those undergoing more complex procedures.
With IV sedation, you are able to be roused but are fully relaxed. If you are someone who experiences serious anxiety, IV sedation will help you feel more at ease while having a routine dental procedure. The medication allows your body to be relaxed, and your awareness of the procedure will be dulled. During your sedation, you may hear the dentist talking or feel pressure on your body, but you will only have a general awareness. IV sedation has a distinct advantage over oral medication because the dentist is able to administer more or less anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable.
Before you can undergo your treatment while under IV sedation, the dentist will need to determine if you are a good candidate for that medication. You will need to share your current medications, any allergies, and any chronic health conditions. If you have had IV sedation in the past, be sure to relay your experience with the dentist. The dentist will be able to determine the appropriate dose you will need for your dental treatment to keep you as comfortable as possible. Before the dentist administers the sedation medication, you will have vital monitoring equipment attached to you so your oxygen levels, your heart rate, and your blood pressure are displayed before, during, and after your dental treatment.
In order to receive the medication intravenously, you will need to have a small IV line placed in your arm or hand. The medication enters your bloodstream slowly, so you should start to feel yourself relax within minutes of receiving your injection. During your appointment, trained staff can further adjust the level of sedation to keep you as comfortable as possible while monitoring predicted responses from your body.
Once the dental treatment is complete, you will no longer be receiving medication through your IV line, and it will start to wear off. Everyone’s body breaks down medication at slightly different rates, and you may still feel sleepy, or you may not remember much of what happened. You will not be able to drive yourself home from the appointment, so you will need to arrange to have someone else take you home. The dentist or staff will share instructions about eating, resting, and activity for the remainder of the day with you prior to your appointment and with your trusted driver after your treatment.
If you have more questions about sedation dentistry or how it could work as a part of your treatment plan to achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see if sedation dentistry is the best option for you.