At The Burkitt Center, we offer a wide variety of sedation options, and unlike most dentists in the area, we can provide IV sedation in Brentwood. IV sedation uses the same drugs as pill-based sedation. But instead of being taken orally, these drugs are administered into your veins using an IV, which provides a deeper level of sedation.
IV sedation is great if you want to sleep through your appointment. But you may have some questions. Is it safe? How does it work? Can you drive home after your appointment? Get answers to all of these FAQs below!
Yes. IV sedation is very safe. While no method of sedation is completely free of potential complications, IV sedation has been used in dentistry for years, and you will be monitored closely during your appointment to make sure that everything looks normal during your procedure.
Not only that, but Dr. Will Jones has lots of experience in sedation dentistry, and completed his surgical and sedation residency at The Foundry AEGD. He has the skills, knowledge, and experience you need to be sedated safely.
Before you’re sedated, we’ll also discuss your health history, medications and supplements you’re taking, and other such topics to ensure that IV sedation is the right option for you.
The IV sedation process is simple. Dr. Jones will choose the proper dosage of sedative medication based on your unique needs. Then, a needle will be placed into your arm. This needle will be connected to a tube. The sedative will be delivered directly into your bloodstream through this tube.
As the sedative takes effect, you will start to feel very sleepy and groggy. It’s quite common for patients to fall asleep shortly after their procedure begins. You also may forget most of what happens during your appointment. This is normal.
However, you will not be completely unconscious, unlike with general anesthesia. You can be woken up and you can respond to commands, if necessary.
You’ll be fully awake and conscious about 20 minutes after the needle is removed from your arm, but you may feel some after-effects for about 4-6 hours. This may include confusion, dizziness, nausea, grogginess, and headache.
In addition, your decision-making skills and motor skills will be impaired for up to 24 hours. Because of this, you cannot drive yourself home after your procedure, and you must bring someone to the office who can drive you home and take care of you after your treatment.
At The Burkitt Center, we’re proud to serve our patients in Brentwood with expert sedation dentistry services, including IV sedation. If you’d like to learn more about dental sedation, just contact our team online or give us a call at (615) 941-3368 to schedule an appointment today. You can meet with Dr. Jones, learn more about dental sedation, and see if it’s right for you.
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