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What is IV Sedation?
Do you get nervous at dental appointments? Do you feel faint or clammy at the thought of dental treatments and cleaning? IV sedation is the answer, providing painless treatment and no memory of the procedures.
IV sedation is just one method to administer pain-free dental care. But you may be surprised by how much patients have preferred IV sedation to get their dental treatments done quickly over other sedation dentistry treatments, and here’s why.
How It Works
IV sedation is a carefully measured amount of sedative medicine that is administered through the arm or the hand. This induces a “twilight” consciousness, where you are not asleep and can communicate with the dentist, but will have no memory of the procedure. The dosage level can be adjusted throughout the treatment, and all of your vital signs are carefully monitored.
Top Benefits of IV Sedation
Enjoy a variety of IV sedation benefits, including:
- Solution for Patients with Anxiety: Dental care is so important, and we want to help people who have trouble getting the care they need because of their fears. IV sedation is a quick way to keep them feeling calm for their entire treatment.
- Quick Onset of Sedation: Due to the placement of the IV line in the arm, the sedation can be administered quickly. This means that patients will not have to wait for the sedation to take effect.
- Reduced Gag Reflex: Does your dental anxiety stem from a fear of gagging? You’re not alone! And the good news is that IV sedation suppresses that as well. You won’t feel any discomfort during your procedure.
- Quick Treatment Time: While our team is monitoring your vital signs, Dr. Grubb can focus on completing your treatment quickly, without distractions.
How Safe Is It?
Dr. Grubb is a certified IV sedation dentist, so patients can rest assured that they are in very safe and experienced hands. IV sedation is preferred due to the fact that the dosage can be controlled at any point by Dr. Grubb and our team.
NOTE: It’s very important that you let Dr. Grubb and our team know about any health changes or medical conditions that you possess. This will help determine if it’s safe to administer IV sedation for your treatment.
We may caution against IV sedation for patients who possess the following traits:
- Pregnant
- Alcohol addiction
- Depression
- Glaucoma
- Allergies to certain chemicals, especially benzodiazepine
- Sleep apnea
Credentials
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does IV sedation last?
Is it safe to drive after receiving IV sedation?
Are there any side effects of IV sedation?
How do I prepare for IV sedation?
How long does IV sedation last?
The duration of IV sedation can vary depending on the individual and the dosage administered. For most people, the effects of IV sedation wear off within a few hours after the procedure. However, it may take as long as 24 hours for your body to completely metabolize the sedative.
Is it safe to drive after receiving IV sedation?
No, it’s unsafe to drive or operate heavy machinery after receiving IV sedation, as the effects of the medication can impair your ability to function normally. Be sure to have someone available to pick you up when you have a procedure that requires sedation, and schedule time off work to accommodate.
Are there any side effects of IV sedation?
Like any medical procedure, IV sedation can have potential side effects. These may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headache. However, serious side effects are rare when trained professionals administer IV sedation in a controlled environment. Contact your dentist if you need help managing your side effects.
How do I prepare for IV sedation?
Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for IV sedation. This preparation may include avoiding food and drink for a certain period before the procedure and arranging for someone to accompany you to and from the appointment.
You’ll likely need to wear short-sleeved comfortable clothes to make IV placement easier. You should also remove items like nail polish and contact lenses, which can hide signs of cyanosis.
Discuss Dental Sedation with Dr. Grubb in Havre de Grace, MD
Whether undergoing a routine dental appointment or a complex procedure, IV sedation is an effective way to help reduce dental anxiety and pain. IV sedation can help patients with sensitive gag reflexes, dental phobias, or invasive procedures feel comfortable and relaxed as they receive treatment.
Contact Dr. Grubb at Family Implants and Reconstructive Dentistry today to learn more about IV sedation. Call (410) 939-5800 or fill out our online contact form to reach a helpful representative. We look forward to meeting patients from Havre de Grace Heights, Bayview Estates, and Osborne, MD.