Certain dental procedures will necessitate the use of IV sedation to increase the patient’s comfort and reduce the risk of pain during dental surgery. Intravenous (IV) sedation delivers anti-anxiety medications into the bloodstream to keep patients relaxed and comfortable during a dental procedure. If you are afraid of needles, the dentist, or dental procedures, IV sedation is a good option for you. Your dentist may also recommend this type of sedation if you have extensive root canals, dental implantation, or extractions done. If you have dental anxiety or dental phobia and require multiple dental treatments, IV sedation may be an ideal option for you. Patients will be given a health evaluation, including a review of their medical history and medication use, before the dentist schedules for an IV sedation. Patients who are elderly or have serious medical problems may need to see their primary care physician or a medical specialist first. Rest assured, our trained team of surgeons and support team will be by your side before, during, and after your procedure to ensure you receive the best dental experience and care possible.

Intravenous sedation is more beneficial than other kinds of sedation dentistry because:

• Sedatives that are delivered into the bloodstream have a shorter duration of action and a deeper level of sedation.
• Patients with a gag reflex can benefit from IV sedation.
• IV sedation does not affect your body’s processes; instead, it disables your ability to feel discomfort. As a result, you will be able to breathe and move independently. This also allows the dentist to detect and respond quickly to any anomalies that may arise throughout the surgery.
• Multiple procedures are possible in one visit. Dental patients who require comprehensive dental care can now complete their treatments in fewer visits. This alleviates the anxiety and dread associated with dental visits and lowers dental care expenses.
• The patient’s amnesic state, which is common with IV sedation, means that they have little or no memory of what transpired during the treatment.
• There is less discomfort after the surgery since there are fewer side effects than other sedative procedures such as general anesthesia.

Please read these instructions carefully. Noncompliance may result in the cancellation of your surgery

1. Do not eat or drink anything for 8-hours prior to surgery.
2. It is okay to have sips of water up to 3 hours prior to your procedure. It is important to drink plenty of fluids the day before surgery.
3. Please have someone with you that can wait in the reception area during surgery, drive you home, and stay with you for the day. Sedated patients cannot be left alone the day of surgery and cannot drive for 24-hours after sedation.
4. Do not use marijuana or inhaled tobacco products, including vaping, 24-hours prior to your Doing so will make your airways very irritable and result in poor tolerance of anesthesia.
5. If you were told to take antibiotics or other medication prior to surgery by your doctor, please continue to take them as directed. If you are diabetic, your oral surgeon will give you recommendations prior to surgery.
6. If you normally take medications prescribed by your physician, you may take them with a small sip of water unless you were instructed not to take them.
7. If you use an inhaler for asthma, please bring your inhaler with you on the day of surgery.
8. Please wear short sleeves with loose-fitting arms—do not wear a one-piece garment—as we need access to your arms and chest to monitor your vital signs and administer the anesthetic.
9. Vigorously brush your teeth and clean your mouth before surgery to help prevent a dry socket.
10. Remove contact lenses and any jewelry before surgery. Please do not wear lipstick, make-up foundation, or perfume/colognes.