If you have a dental treatment coming up that’s making you anxious, you have the choice to receive sedation dentistry services at your appointment! Many patients choose IV sedation due to its versatility and customization. It is administered intravenously, and in most cases, it can provide maximum comfort and stress relief for patients, no matter the procedure.
Who benefits from IV sedation?
- Dental anxiety or phobia
- Sensitive gag reflex
- Hypersensitive teeth or gums
- Trouble sitting still
- Undergoing extensive treatment
What you can expect with IV sedation
You’ll be monitored by a certified dentist or anesthesiologist
Only those who are trained and certified can administer IV sedation, making it one of the safest forms of sedation. Generally, your dentist will bring in a nurse anesthetist for your treatment who will monitor you during your procedure. He or she will be able to increase or decrease the level of sedation to ensure a comfortable and pain-free experience.
You’re conscious, but you may fall asleep
IV sedation is a form of conscious sedation, meaning you will be able to respond to verbal commands, breathe, and move on your own. However, the deeply relaxing state IV sedation can put you in may cause you to fall into a light sleep during your appointment. Even if you don’t nap, you will be in an extremely calm state that eases any anxiety or pain and you won’t notice the sights, smells, or sounds that may accompany your appointment.
You probably won’t remember what happened
One of the best features of IV sedation, especially for highly anxious patients, is it’s amnesia effects. Unlike other forms of sedation, such as nitrous oxide, IV sedation puts you in a semi-sleep state that leaves no memory of the appointment for most patients. With these effects, in addition to the comfort and painless treatment it provides, patients can feel confident returning to their dental appointments year after year.
You’ll need someone to drive you home
Though you are conscious throughout your entire appointment with IV sedation, it still takes a few hours for the sedative effects to leave your bloodstream. During this time, it is unsafe to drive a vehicle or operate any kind of machinery. The best thing you can do after an appointment with IV sedation is to hydrate and rest!
Schedule your appointment
Think IV sedation may be right for you? Schedule a consultation in our Dental Office in Thousand Oaks, CA with your local implant dentist today.
