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Sleep Through Your Appointment
IV Sedation
If you suffer from dental anxiety, are having major oral surgery, or are just nervous about your upcoming visit to The Burkitt Center for Comprehensive Dentistry, we can help. With IV sedation, you can ensure that you feel no pain or discomfort during your treatment, and relax throughout the entire procedure. Call us at (615) 941-3368 to schedule your consultation today.
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How it Works
What Is IV Sedation?
IV sedation uses an effective anti-anxiety drug that is delivered intravenously. Dr. Will will deliver the appropriate amount of medicine to keep you comfortable and relaxed throughout the entire treatment process. In most cases, you’ll fall asleep while you’re sedated, and you will not remember anything about the procedure. However, it’s important to distinguish IV sedation from general anesthesia. Unlike general anesthesia, IV sedation does not require a ventilator to help you breathe. You will not be completely unconscious and will continue breathing on your own. After the treatment, you will wake up comfortably when the sedation wears off.
Is IV Sedation Safe?
Are There Any Side Effects?
IV sedation is very safe. The most common side effects are relatively minor and usually only last for a few hours after your procedure as the medicine wears off. Drowsiness, sluggishness, nausea, and headaches are all common side effects of IV sedation, but will subside quickly. Because of the strength of IV sedation, you will not be able to drive yourself home after treatment, so it is important to make appropriate travel arrangements.
Why Might I Need IV Sedation?
Common Reasons for Sedation
The most common reason patients consider IV sedation is because of anxiety about a dental procedure. If you suffer from dental anxiety or are just nervous about an upcoming oral surgery, for example, you can request sedation to stay relaxed and comfortable. IV sedation can also be useful if you have a strong gag reflex which may make it hard to operate on your mouth. It is also useful if you are going through a long, complex procedure and may have trouble staying still. Some patients also choose to be sedated simply so they can feel more at ease throughout their visit.
What Are My Other Options?
Nitrous Oxide & Oral Conscious Sedation
Minimal inhaled sedation uses a mask that delivers laughing gas to your lungs. This sedative helps reduce feelings of anxiety and eliminates pain. Because effects only last about 5 minutes after your procedure, you’ll be able to drive yourself home after treatment. This makes laughing gas a good option if you want to get back to your day-to-day routine after your appointment.
Oral conscious sedation taken in pill form rather than delivered through an IV. About an hour before your appointment, you’ll take the medication. Typically, patients will stay conscious throughout the procedure, though some still may forget most of what happens while they’re sedated. Like IV sedation, you will need to arrange for a ride home after your appointment.
Considering Sedation?
We Can Help
At The Burkitt Center for Comprehensive Dentistry, our experienced, compassionate team will do everything possible to make sure you feel safe and comfortable during your procedure. With our wide variety of sedation options, we can help any patient feel relaxed and confident about their treatment plan.
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