Dental sedation is offered to patients with severe anxiety or fear of dental procedures, those with difficulty getting numb with local anesthesia, and those who have sensitive teeth or gums. There are several types of sedation, including inhalation sedation (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and intravenous (IV) sedation. IV sedation is more pronounced than inhalation sedation and is ideal for patients who have difficulty relaxing during a dental procedure or those with an underlying medical condition that could complicate the administration of the other forms of sedation.
IV sedation is delivered directly into your bloodstream, making it a rapid onset option with easy dosage adjustment during the procedure. Hamilton dentist can read your physical signs to determine whether you need more or less sedation and make changes accordingly. While you’re under sedation, your dentist will continuously monitor your vital signs such as heart rate and oxygen levels to ensure your safety.
The sedation you receive with IV sedation will induce a state of deep relaxation. The effect can range from minimal sedation, where you may remain awake but feel drowsy, to moderate sedation that may cause you to slur your words or not remember much of the procedure. In the rare event of a problem, your dentist will be able to administer a reversal agent to wake you.
Unlike general anesthesia, which renders you unconscious and unable to be awoken, IV sedation is a safe, effective way to reduce anxiety and discomfort during your treatment. You’ll be able to respond to questions and instructions, although you’ll probably not remember much of the appointment. This can help to reduce your dental anxiety, allowing you to get the dental work that you need without putting off your appointments, which can lead to more serious dental problems over time.
When you’re receiving IV sedation, it’s important to follow the dental professional’s instructions for pre-procedure preparation. This typically includes not eating or drinking for a period of time before your appointment. You’ll also be given detailed instructions on how to take the medication that you’ll receive during the procedure, as well as post-procedure care and recovery.
If you experience any symptoms that worry you after your IV sedation procedure, contact the dentist or oral surgeon who administered it right away. In most cases, a minor reaction to the medication will pass quickly as it wears off. If you have a persistent headache, body aches, or an unusual fever, this may indicate a more serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately.
The sedation you’ll receive with IV sedation will have an amnesia-like effect. You’ll likely have a very hard time recalling the appointment afterward, which will decrease your anxiety and encourage you to schedule routine cleanings and other necessary dental work on a regular basis. This will prevent dental problems from arising and require more invasive, expensive treatment.