Undergoing a tooth extraction or wisdom tooth removal does not have to be a painful or fearful experience. Dr. Williams ensures a comfortable procedure by providing IV sedation. Known as IV conscious sedation, it helps you remain relaxed during treatment. Although you may feel sleepy throughout the procedure, you will not be fully sedated; you will be able to respond to any questions or cues from Dr. Williams. Learn more about IV conscious sedation and how it works by reading below.
IV Conscious Sedation Defined
IV Conscious sedation produces a comfortable, state of relaxation during treatment. When administered via IV in your hand or arm, the medication enters the bloodstream and begins working quickly. Its effective ability to help you remain calm and anxiety-free allows Dr. Williams to perform the necessary dental work with the full confidence that you are unbothered by your surroundings. You will not be “put to sleep;” you will be able to respond to his cues should it be necessary.
Vitals & Safety Protocols
If you are concerned about what will occur once you receive IV sedation, you’ll be pleased to learn that our team will closely monitor your vitals throughout treatment. This includes watching your heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and respiration. You can expect to feel tired and groggy after your procedure, as the effects will take time to fully wear off. This is why you need a friend or family member to drive you home afterward and stay with you while you rest.
What to Do Before Receiving IV Sedation
It is important that you know how to approach the day of your procedure, in preparation for receiving IV sedation. This is why we will provide you with “Pre-Operative Instructions” to review. Some of the details include:
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Do not eat or drink anything (including water) for at least six hours prior to your appointment.
Failure to do so may result in the canceling and future rescheduling of your appointment.
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A responsible adult, over 18 years of age, should accompany you to the office and should
remain in the office during the entire procedure. Following the sedation, this responsible adult should be physically capable of assisting and accompanying you home and should remain with
you for the next 24 hours.
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For the first 24 hours following sedation, you should refrain from the following: driving an
automobile; operating heavy machinery; making legal decisions; drinking alcoholic beverages; or, engaging in any activity that requires alertness.
Local Anesthesia
No dental procedure begins without administering local anesthesia. This essential medication numbs the mouth, preventing pain signals from being triggered throughout treatment. Dr. Williams will ensure the tooth and its surrounding area are properly anesthetized so that you remain comfortable. When combined with dental sedation, you can expect to remain calm and at ease during the procedure.
IV Sedation FAQs
Why should I choose IV sedation?
IV sedation offers many worthy benefits. When choosing this type of sedation for your procedure, you can expect:
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You will not experience extreme anxiety or nervousness throughout your procedure
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You will be unlikely to remember anything from your visit
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It will feel as if the procedure is over quickly, as your sense of time is reduced
Should I expect to feel any pain with IV sedation?
You will feel little or no pain at all while receiving IV sedation. Dr. Williams cares about creating a comfortable experience from start to finish, so if you are concerned about receiving this type of sedation, make sure to let us know so we can provide the reassurance you need to feel confident about treatment.
What are the reasons for IV sedation?
If you are feeling anxious, nervous, or fearful about dental treatment, if you are preparing for a complex or lengthy procedure, if you have a low pain tolerance, or if you have a sensitive gag reflex, you can expect positive results with IV sedation. During your consultation, our team will determine whether this is the right option for you.
Is IV sedation safe?
IV sedation is completely safe when a licensed professional administers it. Fortunately, Dr. Williams has decades of experience helping patients get comfortable in the treatment chair. His advanced training indicates that he understands what is required and necessary to ensure a safe and successful procedure.
Should I expect to remember anything after receiving IV sedation?
If one of your biggest concerns is remembering what happens during your dental procedure, you’ll be pleased to learn that IV sedation curbs this concern. Most individuals who receive this form of sedation have no memory of the procedure, making their visit more enjoyable.