Intravenous Sedation
Dental Sedation Miranda
Intravenous sedation, also known as monitored anaesthesia care (MAC) or “twilight sleep,” is a type of anaesthesia that relaxes a patient through an intravenous (IV) drip placed in a vein.
Depending on the type of procedure, the amount of anaesthesia used may range from a minimal amount, just enough to make the patient drowsy, to an increased amount so that the patient may not remember the procedure.
Qualified Candidate for IV Sedation
If you are in good health but fear going to the dentist or feel anxious when you are in the dental chair, sedation might help.
Your Miranda dentist is the person who is best equipped to help you decide whether or not IV sedation is the best option for you.
It might be that another option, such as inhaled sedation, is a better solution.
If it has been a while since you’ve seen your dentist, call us today and ask if IV sedation is a good choice for you.
How does IV sedation work?
During your dental appointment, your Miranda dentist will introduce a thin needle into a vein on your hand or arm. The needle is connected to a tube that delivers the sedative into the bloodstream.
A numbing cream may be applied to the area beforehand, especially if you have a fear of needles.
While some patients can stand the IV for the entire procedure, others might not be able to do so. In this case, the drug is administered, and the needle is removed.
Both situations achieve the same degree of conscious sedation. Your Miranda dentist will monitor your pulse and oxygen levels to make sure you don’t have a negative reaction to the sedative. Blood pressure will also be checked before and after the procedure.
You might feel a little groggy after the procedure. Because of this, you should arrange to have someone else drive you home. It’s also recommended to take the full day off so that you can have enough rest.
Why Choose IV Sedation
For patients who fear needles, the dentist, or procedures in general, IV sedation can be the best option.
You may think, “But I’m afraid of needles! How will this help?”
IV sedation is a good option for these reasons:
- During the procedure, you won’t know what’s going on around you and you won’t be concerned.
- You are still able to respond to your dentist’s requests and questions.
- Sedation takes effect quickly and can be adjusted to suit your needs.
- Any issues you may have with gagging are reduced while on sedation.
- You’re more deeply sedated than with oral or inhaled sedation, which is good if you have extreme phobias or anxiety.
The Importance of Children’s Dentistry
Frequently Asked Questions
Listed below are the most commonly asked questions we receive from our patients.
Most patients have little to no memory of their dental treatment. This is one of the reasons that patients love IV sedation.
Most patients don’t experience any trouble with IV sedation, but prior to starting any treatment, we review your medical history. We also monitor you very closely during the treatment.
Following treatment, you will feel fine. But for your safety, we do require that you have someone else drive you home.
