IV sedation can be used during dental treatments.
IV sedation is ideal for patients who are anxious about undergoing dental procedures. It is also suitable for those who need long and complex dental work performed, individuals with a strong gag reflex, and those who have previously had numbing difficulties. Read on to find out what happens during IV sedation, and why you might consider it next time you need dental work done…
What does the process involve?
IV sedation is administered in continuous, small doses through a tiny needle in the arm. When the sedation takes effect, you can expect to feel relaxed and drowsy, although you will remain conscious and able to breathe unassisted. Patients typically notice any feelings of stress or anxiety subsiding as the medication takes effect. Some people experience a tingling sensation, as well as a heaviness in the limbs. Reflexes may be delayed, and some people may even start laughing when the medication takes effect.
While other forms of sedation require a ventilation machine, this is not necessary with intravenous sedation.
What are the benefits of IV sedation?
One of the main benefits of IV sedation is that the recovery is relatively quick. Although you may feel relaxed for some time following treatment, you should be able to walk around without any issues quite soon after your procedure is over. In fact, many of our patients feel as though they have just woken from a short nap once the treatment is over. We do, however, recommend that you have someone drive you home following treatment. You can expect your recovery to be quick compared with other forms of sedation —it usually only takes around 24 hours to recover from the effects of the medication.
Another benefit of IV sedation is that it can only be administered by a qualified practitioner. This means that it is both safe and effective. The amount of sedation can be controlled by your practitioner, which means that the correct amount will always be given depending on your procedure and unique needs.
Are there any side effects?
There is a chance that you will experience some mild side effects following IV sedation. These include dizziness and nausea, as well as drowsiness, a headache and low blood pressure. You are likely to have no memory of your procedure and may feel sluggish for a short time. If you feel any of these side effects, we recommend that you avoid strenuous physical activity until you feel the effects wearing off. Take some time off work if you can to fully recover.
How can we help?
At Murwillumbah Dental, we offer IV sedation for patients who feel particularly anxious about receiving dental treatment. If you feel nervous about undergoing dental procedures, we encourage you to chat to us about your fears and concerns so that we can do our best to help.
At our practice, we have created a friendly and compassionate environment and we hope that you will feel at ease under our care. We provide dental services for all members of the family and offer a wide range of treatments, including general, restorative and cosmetic procedures, as well as children’s dentistry. For more information on our treatments, please have a look here.
If you would like to make an appointment to see us, please get in touch with us here. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice and helping to improve your oral health.
