Sedation for Dentistry

For many patients, in-office intravenous (I.V.) sedation can be truly transformative. Imagine undergoing a dental procedure in a completely anxiety-free and painless environment, right in your dentist’s office. With in-office I.V. sedation, you can experience a smooth and comfortable treatment process without the stress of traditional dental visits.

A Board-Certified Nurse Anesthesiologist will be present throughout your procedure, ensuring expert administration of sedation and monitoring your safety at all times. Meanwhile, all necessary dental treatments will be carried out by your dentist, allowing you to benefit from seamless, coordinated care.

This approach not only enhances your comfort but also simplifies the entire process, making dental visits a more pleasant experience.

Benefits of having your treatment performed under I.V sedation

All dental work can be done in one day. I.V. anesthesia allows the procedure to be done in a fraction of the time versus an awake patient.

You are asleep during the I.V. sedation and are not aware of the treatment being done.

Generally, the need to be numb for treatment is eliminated, which is helpful for young children or differently abled people. This can eliminate the numb feeling following the procedure, which can last up to 4 hours. These populations do not understand this feeling and can potentially chew the inside of their cheek and lip.

I.V. dental anesthesia can be less costly and intimidating than scheduling an operating room visit.

We can take necessary dental x-rays when asleep, which allows us to see if there are more areas affected and to treat such areas at the same time, which is helpful for young children. This may result in a change in the original treatment plan given at the child’s examination visit but can benefit the child by reducing the need for additional future procedures.

BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

If you plan to be asleep or sedated you must follow these instructions:

You must not have anything to eat or drink (not even water) for eight (8) hours prior to the appointment.
No smoking at least 12 hours before surgery. Ideally, cut down or stop smoking for as many days as possible prior to the surgical date.
A responsible adult must accompany the patient to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, and drive the patient home. A responsible adult must remain with the patient at home the day of surgery.
Please wear loose fitting clothing with sleeves which can be rolled up past the elbow, and low-heeled shoes.
Contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures must be removed prior to surgery.
Do not wear lipstick, excessive makeup, or nail polish on the day of surgery.
If you have an illness such as a cold, sore throat, stomach or bowel upset, please notify the office.

ON THE DAY OF THE PROCEDURE

Please plan on arriving to office on time with your driver.
You will be asked to use the restroom prior to coming back to procedure room.
Once in procedure room, we will verify your history and ensure that you are safe to have anesthesia.
An intravenous (I.V.) catheter will be placed to allow medication and fluids to be administered.
You may be given a medicine by mouth with small sips of water.
You will be given opportunity to ask any questions and the anesthesia consent form will be completed at this time.

DURING THE PROCEDURE

Monitors such as blood pressure, pulse oximeter and EKG will be used, as well as oxygen through a nasal cannula.
Monitored anesthesia care will be provided by nurse anesthesiologist. This technique controls pain, anxiety and provides partial or total amnesia.
You will be relaxed in dental chair with oxygen through a nasal cannula, breathing on your own, as the dentist completes their assessment, X-rays and needed procedures at this time.

AT THE END OF THE PROCEDURE

You must go home after surgery and stay at home the night of surgery.
You must not drive a vehicle, sign important documents or operate any machinery for 24 hours following the anesthesia experience.