IV Sedation

Dental phobia, like any other fear, can be difficult to acknowledge, yet those who experience it understand the overwhelming stress it can bring. Is your anxiety standing in the way of the dental care you deserve? You are not alone. We are here to help you overcome it!

At Dentalnook, we focus on making your visit easy and comfortable through IV sedation. IV sedation will keep you relaxed and steer clear the feelings of fear and anxiety.

What happens when I am under IV sedation?

Another word used for IV sedation is conscious sedation. It is not meant to put you in deep sleep like general anaesthesia. The idea is to make you less aware of your surroundings but to help you remain aware enough to respond to verbal cues or gentle prompts. During this phase, you can undergo any kind of dental procedure comfortably without feeling pain, anxiety, or fear.

What is the IV sedation procedure?

First, we carefully evaluate your suitability for IV sedation. It is generally well-tolerated by most patients. It is important that you inform us about any existing health conditions or allergies you have. Your input is essential to ensure your safety and comfort.

If needed, we may suggest your physician’s evaluation before IV sedation, especially for seniors or those with health concerns. The sedation is given through a vein, allowing us to also provide medications like pain relievers through the same IV. Once it takes effect, you will feel calm and less aware of smells, sounds, or sights around you.

We closely monitor your vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, and breathing rate. At Dentalnook, thanks to our highly skilled team, we are prepared to manage any complications that may arise. Most patients remain conscious and do not require breathing support.

If necessary, additional medication can be given during the treatment to maintain comfort.

After the procedure, you are unlikely to recall the details, as IV sedation often causes partial amnesia (loss of memory) for the duration of the treatment.

IV sedation has several benefits, including rapid onset, the ability to adjust medication as needed, and a quicker recovery compared to other sedation methods.

Checklist before going for IV sedation

• Wear comfortable clothing – Opt for loose, comfortable attire for your appointment.
• 8 hours fasting – Avoid eating or drinking anything for 8 hours before your sedation.
• Guidelines for your meds – Ensure that you avoid taking any medication 6–8 hours prior to your sedation unless your doctor has asked you to do so.
• Provide your medical history – Share your complete medical history before the procedure to ensure a safe treatment plan.
• Arrange pick-up and drop-off – Make plans for someone to drive you to and from the clinic, as you will feel drowsy after sedation.
• Plan post-sedation rest – For the next 24 hours you are supposed to take rest. This means you should avoid alcohol and heavy physical activity. You should not operate any sort of heavy machinery. This is not the right time to make significant decisions of your life.

Who is a Good Candidate for IV Sedation?

• Those with moderate to severe dental anxiety.
• Those requiring long or multiple dental procedures.
• Those undergoing treatments that might involve significant discomfort.
• Those with a strong gag reflex.

Let us understand that administering IV sedation is a specialized skill that requires advanced training to ensure patient safety. The dental experts should be able to effectively manage rare complications, such as reduced oxygen levels (hypoxia) or unexpected deep sedation. At Dentalnook, we use state-of-the-art equipment to continuously monitor your vital signs, including oxygen levels, blood pressure, and heart rate, throughout the procedure. This ensures a safe and controlled environment at all times.

When you choose Dentalnook, you are opting for expert care and a stress-free dental experience. Meet our team for a pain-free mouth!