IV Sedation Dentistry in Sacramento

If you suffer from dental anxiety or have overly sensitive teeth, you may be a candidate for IV sedation dentistry. Minimize your pain and anxiety with Midtown Dental’s team of specialists.

What Is IV Sedation Dentistry?

IV sedation, or intravenous sedation, involves an intravenous injection of a sedative, which will make you feel drowsy and unaware of pain during your dental treatment or surgery.

As the name suggests, it differs from inhalation sedation and oral sedatives and requires a specially trained dental anesthesiologist.

IV Sedation Dental Procedure

The procedure for IV sedation consists of the following steps:

To begin, our dentists will place an IV in your arm or hand. Then, they’ll push sedative medications through the IV into your bloodstream. IV sedation is conscious sedation, meaning you’re awake.

The medications will quickly put you into a relaxed, semi-awake state. You won’t be completely asleep like you would if you underwent deep sedation. Instead, you can still breathe independently and respond to the dentist’s instructions.

Are you ready to improve your overall dental health?

Patients’ Role In IV Sedation Dentistry

According to the American Dental Association, your role when discussing sedation treatment plans are:

  • Be sure to tell your dentist about any existing medical conditions or changes in your health history since your last visit.
  • Tell your dentist about any drugs you take, including prescription or over-the-counter products. Remember to mention any drug allergies or dependencies you have and any problems you’ve had with medications in the past.
  • Discuss the risks and benefits of each anesthetic option.

Our team of dentists and registered dental assistants will work with you to ensure your comfort even during complex dental procedures.

Benefits of IV Sedation Dentistry During Dental Procedures

Compared to other forms of sedation dentistry, the IV is more beneficial because:

  • The effects of sedatives administered through the bloodstream take effect in a shorter duration.
  • IV sedation is suitable for patients with a gag reflex.
  • IV sedation only eliminates your ability to feel pain. You will be able to breathe and move on your own.
  • The dentist can perform multiple procedures in one visit, allowing patients who need extensive dental care to receive treatments in fewer visits.
  • There is less discomfort after the procedure because IV sedation has fewer side effects than other sedation methods, such as general anesthesia.

IV Sedation Recovery

Recovery following IV sedation is much quicker than oral or general anesthesia. Patients come around from the effects of the drugs quite quickly, meaning you shouldn’t have to stay at the dental office for long afterward.

Our dentists and registered dental assistants will monitor you until they feel you are sufficiently recovered and can travel home. You will probably feel tired for a few hours after the procedure, which is why we encourage you not to drive yourself home.

You should be able to return to your normal activities 24 hours after your procedure.

IV Sedation Q&A

Will I Feel Any Pain During IV Sedation?

Many patients feel no discomfort during their dental treatment and recover quickly from the side effects, including drowsiness, dry mouth, and nausea.

Why Should I Consider IV Sedation?

May patients find that sedation helps them have a more positive experience at the dentist, even if they do not suffer from dental anxiety. If you gag easily or have sensitive teeth, sedation may make dental procedures easier for you.

Some patients may also like to receive a sedative when undergoing a lengthy procedure, such as deep gum cleaning or filling multiple cavities.

Can Any Dentist Perform Sedation?

While most dentists can administer minimal sedation, such as nitrous oxide or oral sedation, only a small percentage of dentists can offer more complex sedation techniques, including IV sedation.

A dentist who is IV certified and licensed to administer IV sedation received additional specialty training and has been legally certified by the state to deliver medical drugs that alter a patient’s consciousness for a comfortable, pain-free treatment.

Dr. Jenny Apekian DDS, discussing treatment options with a patient.

    Can’t say enough good things about Dr Apekian and Dr Crippen and the whole team at Midtown Dental. I think like most people, I had a fear of dentists so when it was time to look for a new dentist, I’m glad I found Midtown Dental. All of my experiences have been GREAT and I’ve been lucky enough to see both Dr Apekian and Dr Crippen. If you’re looking for a new dentist, they are worth the wait!

    Call today at (916) 441–5800 to learn more about our IV Sedation Dentistry services.