IV Conscious Sedation Can Help With Your Dental Anxiety

Major factors to consider when undergoing a dental procedure are safety and comfort, which is why dentists often recommend IV conscious sedation to calm patients who are particularly nervous. Sedating a patient is typically safe and is an excellent way to alleviate stress levels before, during and after the procedure.

Administered for patients dealing with mild dental anxiety and those who are about to undergo a complex or lengthy procedure, conscious sedation usually refers to using light IV sedation. Conscious sedation keeps the patient awake while the procedure lasts, but induces a deep state of relaxation.

How IV conscious sedation works

Sedation often takes different forms. Intravenous (IV) sedation is administered via a needle inserted into the vein. According to the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists, nitrous oxide is used to induce the patient into sleep before the dentist inserts the needle, typically into the veins in the back of the patient’s hand. They may also insert a needle into the patient’s throat to support breathing.

Before sedation

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) suggests that patients learn about the sedation process and prepare themselves accordingly so they can better tolerate sedation and other dental treatments. Patients are advised to limit food and drink intake before sedation, and they must abide by the rules of the process to ensure maximum safety since sedation can cause them to vomit and inhale stomach contents into the lungs.

It is helpful to dress in loose-fitting clothing as this makes it easier for dental assistants to attach monitors easily and quickly. Patients must be ready to present their full medical records and inform the dentist if they are currently under any form of medication or supplements.

At the dentist's office

The dentist will administer the sedative drug through the vein to make the effect kick in quickly. With IV conscious sedation, the dentist will continually adjust the sedation level. Unlike general anesthesia, the patient will be almost awake and able to respond to verbal commands or react to physical touch. The class of medication often used in dental offices are known as the benzodiazepines, and midazolam is most commonly used because it acts quickly and wears off faster.

The dentist will continue to monitor the patient’s blood oxygen level, temperature, blood pressure and heart rate to ensure the patient’s safety during the procedure. Once the sedation kicks in, the patient should feel calm and experience no form of pain during the procedure.

After sedation

The patient may feel a bit nauseous or confused after the procedure, which is normal. The patient should be monitored closely, as the aftereffect of sedation includes dizziness, nausea, sleepiness and loss of physical coordination. In the event of complications, reach out to the dental office immediately.

In summary

IV conscious sedation is completely safe and fuss-free with adequate preparation and proper care. Everyone is prone to dental anxiety and that is normal. By having clear discussions with the dentist, you will be able to ensure a pain-free and pleasant experience.

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