IV Sedation Dentistry, also known as Deep Conscious Sedation, is a specialized service that can only be offered by dentists and oral surgeons who have completed training and received certification in IV sedation. Plano, TX periodontist Dr. Bradley Dean is highly trained and experienced in multiple methods of sedation dentistry including oral and IV sedation dentistry.
For many patients, the medications used for IV Sedation are more effective than those that are taken orally. Rather than being ingested, medication is delivered directly into the bloodstream through an IV. With this type of sedation dentistry, the dentist has greater control over the dosage, which can reduce unwanted side effects that can accompany oral medications.
IV sedation does not put you fully to sleep. You are in a very deep state of relaxation actually. You will most likely not be aware of things going on around you. You will still be able to respond to basic commands from our staff and breathe on your own. Some people may fall asleep but it is not because the medication put them to sleep.
Benefits of IV Sedation Dentistry
- More reliable sedation
- Immediate relaxation
- Complete relaxation throughout procedure
- Allows for more dental work to be completed in fewer visits
- Faster recovery with fewer side effects compared to oral sedation
- Expert treatment administered by a certified Texas dentist
How does IV Sedation Dentistry Work?
To prepare for your treatments with IV sedation, you should follow fasting guidelines for general anesthesia. You should not eat or drink 6 hours before your procedure but you can drink water up to two hours before your procedure. It is important that you do not have any alcohol for 24 hours before your procedure.
You should give Dr. Dean a list of all the medications you are taking. Afterward, you will feel sleepy and unsteady. It is recommended that you not make plans after and go home and rest.
The medication will be administered through an intravenous tube. A constant “drip” of medication flows through the tube to keep you relaxed throughout the procedure. Various medications are available and carefully selected for the individual based on a medical history review and evaluation.
All medications are safe, effective, and carefully controlled. You will remain conscious throughout the procedure, however, you will likely have no memory of the treatment with a sense that you were asleep.
The goal in sedation dentistry is to use a little medication as necessary to achieve relaxation. Compared to oral sedation dentistry, IV sedation is safer and more effective with less risk of side effects. At any time an antidote can be administered to reverse the effects of the medications if necessary.
Is Sedation Dentistry Right for Me?
Dr. Dean will perform a complete evaluation and review of your medical history prior to recommending IV sedation dentistry. The treatment is safe and effective for most healthy adults (and even some children). Contraindications include:
- Pregnancy
- Allergies to specific medications (such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, etc.)
- Alcohol intoxication
- Heart conditions
- Central Nervous System (CNS) depression
How Does IV Sedation Dentistry Work?
Medication is administered through an intravenous tube. A constant “drip” of medication flows through the tube to keep you relaxed throughout the procedure. Various medications are available and carefully selected for the individual based on medical history and current state of health. All medications are safe, effective and carefully controlled. You will remain conscious throughout the procedure. However, you will likely have no memory of the treatment with a sense that you were asleep.
What do you wear to IV Sedation?
When preparing for a procedure we recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing. It is also recommended to wear short sleeved clothing to ensure that an IV can be administered without removing or altering clothing.
Will I Be Awake with IV Sedation?
During IV sedation, you are not “asleep” but rather in a much safer and more comfortable “semi-awake” state of reduced anxiety. You will most likely have little or no memory of the dental procedures that were performed because of the amnesic effect of the medications used to provide the sedation. During IV sedation, you can respond to verbal commands or a light physical touch.
How will I feel after IV Sedation?
After IV sedation it is common to feel drowsy and “out of it”. This is normal and should wear off within 12 hours. It is important to remember that the full effects of sedation will not wear off for 24 hours.
How long does dental IV Sedation take to wear off?
IV dental sedation typically takes about 24 hours to fully wear off. It is common to feel drowsy after your procedure. We recommend having a friend or family member drive you home after your procedure. It is important to rest for the first 24 hours after, to promote the healing process.
