IV Sedation Dentistry: How Does It Work and Is It Appropriate for You?

IV Sedation Dentistry: How Does It Work and Is It Appropriate for You?

August 1, 2021

Not everyone looks at the dentist’s chair with confidence. It is not a place that some people are very fond of, and the procedures that come with the visit are not their cup of tea. This is because they get jitters and can’t seem to honor their appointments with our dentist in SW, Calgary. However, putting off your dental appointments is not a good idea since you will be putting your oral health at risk.

Fortunately, our dentist near you happens to offer IV sedation dentistry in SW, Calgary, which is aimed at helping all our patients get the necessary oral care without being anxious.

IV Sedation Dentistry, In a Nutshell

You might have heard the term “sleep” or twilight dentistry” being used by dentists. These terms are used to describe IV sedation. IV (intravenous) sedation refers to the mode of administering anti-anxiety drugs. In other words, the anti-anxiety drugs are administered through your veins, unlike the other forms of sedation, which are inhaled or taken in pill form.

It is a type of conscious sedation that our IV sedation dentist in Calgary uses to help you feel relaxed during your treatment. You will not be asleep; however, you will have a reduced awareness of your surroundings. This means that there is a high chance that you may not be fully aware of what our dentist near you is doing.

The beauty of IV sedation is that you can still respond to verbal instructions and gentle nudging. You will also be able to breathe on your own, unlike when you are under general anesthesia.

The details of the procedure will be hazy once the sedative wears off.

Are You an Ideal Candidate for IV Sedation?

Unfortunately, dental anxieties are far too common. Dental anxiety can be associated with specific triggers such as drills, needles, or even the dental setting. In any case, IV sedation dentistry in SW, Calgary, is ideal for anyone in good health. However, it is especially beneficial to patients who have:

  • Difficulty getting numb
  • Dental phobia
  • Complex dental issues
  • Sensitive teeth
  • A tiny mouth that aches when you are undergoing dental work
  • Gag reflex
  • General anxiety disorder

How Do You Prepare for IV Sedation?

Since IV sedation will make you forfeit some of your cognitive abilities, you may need to be more prepared for the appointment. Our IV sedation dentist in Calgary will provide you with strict instructions before your dental appointment.

The instructions will revolve around the clothes you need to wear, the foods you need to avoid or eat eight hours prior, or even the medication you need to stop taking. Also, you may need to provide our dentist near you with your complete medical history. Don’t forget to get someone to drive you and pick you up after the appointment.

What Happens During Your Appointment?

Our IV sedation dentist in Calgary will introduce a thin needle into a vein in your arm. Our dentist will apply a numbing cream to your arm if you are afraid of needles. The needle will be connected to an intravenous tube that will deliver the sedative into your bloodstream. Also, if there is any need to receive anti-inflammatories or pain medicine, it will be administered intravenously.

Our dentist will continuously monitor your oxygen levels and pulse to ensure that you don’t negatively react to the drugs. Also, our dentist will check your blood pressure all through the procedure.

After the procedure, you may feel drowsy for some hours. This is why you need someone to pick you up after your dental appointment. Also, it is better to avoid any activities over the next 24 hours after the procedure.

Benefits of IV Sedation

IV sedation dentistry in SW, Calgary has several benefits, such as:

  • The effects of sedation will kick in faster than oral and inhalation sedation
  • Your body processes will not be affected, but your ability to feel pain will be eliminated
  • Our dentist can check for abnormalities since your body processes have not been affected
  • Multiple procedures can be performed in a single visit and can help you save money as well as time
  • You will experience fewer side effects than other sedation methods like general anesthesia, meaning there will be less discomfort

Therefore, contact our practice, Dental at the Met, if you need IV sedation dentistry.

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