IV Sedation

Professional dentistry involves various sedation methods that are safe and mild enough for most patients to enjoy. Because of their limited effects, nitrous oxide and oral sedation can usually be administered by your general dentist before or during your procedure. However, for patients who experience severe dental phobia, have special needs that make routine care difficult, or who must undergo oral surgery, intravenous (IV) sedation is often necessary. IV sedation involves a potent sedative being delivered directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous drip. For optimal safety, IV sedation is typically administered by a licensed anesthesiologist who closely monitors vital signs and the level of sedation throughout treatment.

Benefits of IV Sedation

Laughing gas and oral sedation produce euphoric feelings that keep you calm, but still conscious and fully responsive. By contrast, IV sedation may place patients under a sedation-induced sleep, allowing the dentist to work uninterrupted while the patient rests comfortably. In addition to fearful and special needs patients, IV sedation is also highly beneficial for patients who require multiple restorative or reconstructive procedures, such as dental implant placement. The powerful sedative allows the dentist to work faster and complete more of your treatment per visit than otherwise.

Before recommending IV sedation, your dentist will first carefully review your medical history to ensure that it is safe.