IV Sedation

Dental sedation through an IV (intravenous) method is particularly effective for inducing deep relaxation and calm states in typical dental patients.

It produces little or no memory of the dental procedure afterward and is an increasingly popular choice for patients with anxiety.

Benefits of IV Sedation

• Lower Cost: IV sedation typically costs less than General Anaesthetics.
• Faster Healing Time: IV sedation allows for quicker recovery than general anesthesia.
• Less Medical Risks: IV sedation results in fewer adverse side effects than general anesthesia because you remain semi-conscious during the procedure.
• Targeted Treatment: IV sedation will relax you deeply, but you will maintain your ability to respond to the surgeon’s instructions if necessary.
• Convenient Treatment: You can receive IV sedation from the comfort of the dental chair, the need to transition between operating rooms.

How does IV sedation work?

• The IV site is numbed, and the IV is inserted (back side of the hand) using an anti-anxiety sedative (usually a short-acting benzodiazepine).
• Drug effects are rapid, and the patient drifts into a “twilight” state of deep, conscious relaxation.
• A patient is able to communicate, allowing the dental team to confirm the state of the sedation.
• Pulse and oxygen levels are monitored throughout the procedure for patient safety.
• Most patients “awake” with little or no memory of the event.
• The procedure is always supervised by dental professionals trained in IV sedation.

Talk to a Sierra Dental staff member about all our options for sedation dentistry. We’re here to help. Call today.