Benefits of IV Sedation

When you’re deciding what form of sedation dentistry will be best for you, consider IV sedation. We use IV sedation dentistry at our office to prioritize your comfort and make your dental treatment easy and painless. 

What Is IV Sedation, and Is It Right for You?

Other sedation methods come in the form of a pill or a breathable gas, but as its name suggests, IV sedation uses an intravenous solution to deliver the sedation medication directly into your bloodstream. This is the fastest way to introduce medicine to the body—which means you can expect to experience the benefits of IV sedation dentistry almost immediately!

Because of the way IV sedation is delivered, it’s common to confuse IV sedation with general anesthesia. The most important difference when you’re considering IV sedation vs. general anesthesia is that a patient using IV sedation remains conscious, while a patient under general anesthesia will be asleep throughout their treatment. IV sedation is sometimes called IV conscious sedation to help clear up this misconception.

IV sedation is generally stronger than laughing gas or oral sedation, so it’s a good choice for people who are going through a slightly more intensive dental procedure or for those who might experience more severe dental anxiety or difficulty with sitting still. IV sedation is also a great fit for patients who are interested in sedation dentistry but don’t like the idea of wearing a mask for laughing gas throughout their procedure or are unable to take oral sedation pills.   

Frequently Asked Questions About IV Sedation

We always want our patients to be aware of the treatment they’re receiving and feel comfortable asking us any questions they might have. If your question isn’t answered below, reach out to us today for more information!

What Is the Difference Between Oral Sedation and IV Sedation?

Because IV sedation is administered directly into the bloodstream with an immediate effect, ideal dosages of medications can be fine-tuned to give a more controlled and precise effect for each individual than with oral sedation. We also have the ability to use a wider variety of medications through the IV line than with oral sedation. These benefits make the chances of a safe and successful sedation experience more likely.

With oral sedation, the presumed best type and dosage of sedative medication is estimated and given in pill form prior to the procedure. No changes or additions to the medication’s effect are made during the middle of the procedure. Thus, the effectiveness of oral sedation can vary depending on how each individual responds to the medication. 

Is IV Sedation Safe?

At Canyon Lake Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, you can relax with the assurance that your dental team will provide the highest standards of care during your IV sedation. 

Dr. Schaack has received extensive training with anesthesia and IV sedation procedures during his hospital residency training at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, WA. He is one of the only general dentists in Comal County who has advanced training and competency in performing IV sedation.

Dr. Schaack will carefully evaluate your unique health history, conditions, and medications to determine if you are a good candidate for IV sedation. Any medical conditions or medications you are on will be taken into consideration for careful planning by the doctor prior to beginning your sedation. 

During your sedation, prudent judgment and extensive state-of-the-art monitoring equipment are utilized to ensure all vital signs and breathing levels remain at safe levels.

What Does IV Sedation Feel Like?

You can expect to feel relaxed and drowsy under IV sedation. Most importantly, you won’t feel any pain, regardless of what treatment you’re receiving! Because IV sedation is the strongest form of conscious sedation that we offer, you will likely not remember all of your dental procedures, and you may even fall asleep.

How Long Does IV Sedation Stay in Your System?

Every patient will have a different experience after their IV sedation dentistry, but you can expect to recover from your IV sedation in roughly 24 hours. We recommend getting plenty of rest and taking it easy as the medication leaves your system. 

Because it may take several hours for the medication to completely wear off, it’s important that you arrange for a ride home from our office if you’re planning on using IV sedation.

Are There Any IV Sedation Side Effects?

IV sedation is a safe, effective form of sedation dentistry, but it’s a good idea to be aware of the side effects you might feel as the medication wears off. The most common side effects are drowsiness or sluggishness. You may also experience some nausea, headaches, or dry mouth.

IV sedation side effects are generally mild. If you’re concerned about how side effects might impact you, talk to your dentist! We look forward to making the IV sedation process as comfortable as possible for you. 

When Is IV Sedation Used?

IV sedation can be used for treatments of all kinds, particularly if a patient requests it, although there are specific procedures that tend to use IV sedation more frequently. It’s common to receive an IV sedation tooth extraction, for example, and your dentist might recommend using IV sedation for wisdom teeth removal. 

The right form of sedation dentistry will vary between people and dental treatments, so make sure to talk to your dentist about their recommendation!

Still feeling nervous? Learn more here!

IV Sedation Makes Dental Treatment Comfortable and Painless.

If you’re interested in the benefits of IV sedation for your next dental procedure, contact us today! We are committed to making your experience at our office as enjoyable as possible.