IV (Intravenous) Sedation

People fear going to see their dentist or oral surgeon because of the possibility of feeling discomfort or pain during the examination or treatment. An ordinary cleaning procedure frightens many people and many more are terrified of more involved treatments such as root canal and fillings. This is unfortunate because dental health and overall good health are connected, and those people who take care of their teeth will usually enjoy a greater measure of good health than those who ignore or avoid dental care and treatment. Though pain is a possibility with these procedures, they are still necessary because not doing them could result in more serious pain and consequential health risks. Sedation dentistry has become a very common way for dentists to treat apprehensive and anxious patients.

Sedation dentistry provides many methods of reducing the anxiety, pain and fears that accompanies sitting in a dentist’s chair. Many patients prefer to have intravenous drugs which often render a patient into a light sleep. Depending on the dosage, IV sedation allows the patient to remain “conscious”, but prevents them from being aware of the procedure.

Most people who undergo IV sedation tell about a loss of awareness of time, and believe that the procedure only took a few minutes, when in fact it may have lasted more than an hour.

Patients undergoing IV sedation will need to be driven home from their appointment and will need to have supervised recovery at home until the drugs completely wear off.

Not all patients can choose IV sedation, however; those who are pregnant, of advanced age, who have allergies to certain sedative medications, or whose lungs, kidneys or liver are not in optimal condition will not be permitted to use this method.

IV sedation patients report a peaceful, anxiety free dental experience as they are completely unaware of the pain during the procedure.

This is a great breakthrough for those who avoid general dental work, extractions, and root canals because of the fear and anxiety associated with a visit to the dentist.

Patient should talk to their dentist about whether or not sedation dentistry is right for them. Millions of people have happily transitioned from "dental phobics" to contented patients through the use of IV sedation.