IV Sedation
Statesville, NC
 Studies have found that about 60% of Americans battle dental anxiety and 15% are too scared to go to the dentist at all. At Fern Creek Dentistry, we can calm your nerves through sedation dentistry, which also includes intravenous or IV sedation.
What is IV Sedation and How Does it Work?
IV sedation is a form of sedation that is prescribed to patients who need to undergo oral surgery like the surgical removal of wisdom teeth or root canal treatment.
IV sedation is also known as conscious sedation or twilight sedation, since it numbs a patient’s ability to feel pain, but does not put them fully to sleep. IV sedation is administered through a thin needle that goes through a vein in your arm or hand and administers the sedative directly into your bloodstream.
If you are afraid of needles, a numbing cream may be applied to your skin so that you do not feel the prick of the needle.
When you are under the effects of the sedative, you will feel relaxed and sleepy, but will be able to breathe on your own, move if you want, and follow directions from the doctors. During surgery, we will constantly monitor your blood pressure and blood oxygen levels to ensure you do not face any adverse side effects from the sedative.
After the procedure, some people may not have a clear memory of the procedure and they may feel groggy for a little while. That is why we recommend you bring a responsible adult to the procedure who can escort you after your surgery.
We will also give you advice on what to do in the hours after your surgery when you are waiting for the effects of the sedative to wear off.
Preparing for IV Sedation
You may need to adjust a few activities to prepare yourself for IV sedation. You are strongly advised not to eat or drink anything eight hours before the procedure. If you have been prescribed medication by us or if you take some other regular medication, you can take them with a small sip of water. You may also have to stop taking certain medications before surgery.
Wear loose and comfortable clothes to the appointment and avoid wearing lipstick or facial jewelry for smooth dental surgery.
Who is a Candidate for IV Sedation?
Anyone who has a reasonably good overall health can be a candidate for IV sedation. At Fern Creek Dentistry, Dr. Patel recommends patients who suffer from anxiety to reap the benefits of IV sedation.
IV sedation is also appropriate for:
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Young children who can’t sit still.
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People who have a very low pain threshold.
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People with a high gag reflex.
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People who require oral surgeries. |
IV sedation may not be recommended for geriatric patients who suffer from health conditions that can result in complications with sedation. In some cases, we may recommend a smaller dose of sedative to older people to reduce the risk of side effects. We also do not recommend pregnant women to take IV sedation and advise them to delay surgical treatment that requires IV sedation until after the baby is born.
IV sedation is not a fixed pain management procedure and is administered on an as-needed basis. This sedation option is safe so even children can benefit with it. If you have a fear of dental treatments, IV sedation can alleviate much of your anxiety. Call us today at (704) 380-9555 to schedule an appointment with us and we will determine whether or not your treatment requires IV sedation. |
