You hate to admit it, but you haven’t visited the dentist in years. Perhaps the sounds of the instruments, having someone so close to you, or something else you can’t quite name strike fear into your heart. Maybe you’ve had bad experiences in the past or have to physically force your body to stay still that long. Regardless of the reason you’ve avoided going for so long, now you have a serious dental problem and must make that call.
Fortunately, many dentists take advantage of sedation to make dental procedures less frightening and more pleasant. IV sedation, for instance, could transform your treatment into a much more enjoyable experience. But what is IV sedation, how does it work, and what is being under IV sedation like? Keep reading to find out!
What Is Dental IV Sedation?
Although multiple sedation options are available, such as nitrous oxide sedation or “laughing gas” and oral conscious sedation, IV sedation is usually one of the most powerful and fast acting. For those who have a more intense fear of the dentist or who struggle to sit still for long periods of time, this type allows them to receive the care their smiles desperately need without having to endure an overly stressful or uncomfortable experience in the chair.
How Does IV Sedation Work?
As the name suggests, IV sedation is delivered intravenously, or directly into the bloodstream. Unlike oral conscious sedation, which is a pill taken orally, the IV medication spreads throughout your body extremely quickly and can be adjusted depending on your needs and body build. Within a couple of minutes, you will become unaware of your surroundings, feel completely content and peaceful, and remain perfectly still throughout your appointment.
When the procedure concludes, the IV is removed, but the effects can take a while to get out of your system. As a result, you will need someone, like a trusted friend or family member, to drive you home and preferably keep an eye on you until you feel more like yourself again.
What Does It Feel Like to Get IV Sedation?
In most cases, patients who undergo IV sedation don’t recall much about the appointment. Although you can fall asleep from feeling relaxed, this type of sedation doesn’t force unconsciousness. Even if you remain awake, however, the medication has an amnesiac effect, which keeps extremely anxious or fidgety patients calm and comfortable both during and after the appointment.
You may experience some interesting dreams or thoughts with the IV medication in your system, but this powerful sedative can make necessary dental procedures possible, less stressful, and more successful.
After getting IV sedation, you may find that your fear of dental care doesn’t have to keep you from having a healthy and strong smile. If you think you can benefit from IV sedation, reach out to your dentist, and they’ll be happy to make your time in the office better!
About the Practice
At Meadowvale Family Dentistry, Dr. Mayank Patel and Dr. Ka Biu Ip have decades of experience treating and working with patients from Mississauga and the surrounding community. They strive to create a comfortable, friendly environment where patients can feel at home, but they also offer IV sedation upon request to provide additional relaxation. To schedule an appointment at this practice, you can click here or call 905-821-0011.