Sedation Dentistry with your Dental Care

About IV Conscious Sedation: 

At Inspired Dental Implant & Sedation Dentistry we offer sedation dentistry to create a more pleasant and positive experience by reducing anxiety and improving the pain control usually associated with dental treatment. It can help those who have a fear of dentistry or have experienced past trauma associated with dentistry. The effects of the medication will help you be relaxed, sedated, and comfortable but NOT asleep. Patients will have little to no memory of the procedure because of the amnestic effects of the medications. While under sedation, the patient is able to respond to light physical touch and verbal commands. Because patients are “semi-awake,” medical assistance is not needed to maintain adequate breathing and heart function.

Sedation Choices: 

There are several different sedation options available to you and they differ in ways of administration, predictability, depth of sedation, and cost. There are four choices for sedation used in dentistry:

1. Minimal inhaled sedation: Using Nitrous oxide gas (laughing gas) combined with oxygen through a mask can help a patient relax. The gas levels are controlled by the dentist and it wears off quickly. This would be the ONLY form of sedation where patients can drive themselves to and from the appointment.
2. Oral Sedation: This form of sedation is given as a pill. It is taken 1 hour prior to your dental treatment. This can provide minimal to moderate sedation. The pill can make patient drowsy and sometimes groggy enough to fall asleep during the procedure. However, they can be awakened easily with a gentle shake or tap. This form will require a responsible caretaker to transport you to and from the dental appointment.
3. IV Moderate Sedation: This sedation requires starting an IV and administering a sedative medication through a vein causing a quick effect. The dentist can adjust and control the level of sedation continually. The patient will be in a semi-awake state and will have little to no memory of the dental treatment. This form will require a responsible caretaker to transport you to and from the dental appointment. You will also have to follow strict instructions with fasting protocols.
4. Deep sedation/general anesthesia: This sedation will make you unconscious and deeply asleep during the procedure. Under this type of sedation, you cannot be aroused or awakened until the effects of the anesthesia wear off or are reversed with medication. This is not offered at our office but we can assist patients with a referral to a location that offers this service.

These options can be offered and combined in various ways based on the patient’s medical status and to meet each individual’s needs.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry: 

• Some or all of the memory of undergoing the procedure will not be present after.
• While under sedation, a sense of time is not present.
• Some or all sense of smell or sound is not present.
• Fear and anxiety during treatment are diminished or completely removed.

What Procedures Can Be Done with IV Conscious Sedation? 

Sedation can be valuable to patients even if you don’t suffer from dental anxiety. It can be combined with any dental procedure from a dental exam or cleaning to more invasive procedures like surgery.

– Patients who suffer from a strong gag reflex benefit from sedation because it helps them feel comfortable during the procedure or when taking dental x-rays.

– Patients who are restless, unable to sit in the dental chair for long periods of time, and require a lot of dental work, can be much more comfortable with sedation. It also allows for fewer dental appointments and provides a calmer experience.

Since sedation can be combined with anesthesia, it will ensure that you remain free of pain during any procedure.

Is IV Conscious Sedation Safe? 

Most patients typically don’t have any trouble with IV sedation. Prior to starting dental treatment with sedation, we will review your medical history to ensure that this option is safe for your needs. During the treatment, the patient is monitored closely.

What is Required When Undergoing Sedation? 

If it is determined that you are a candidate to undergo sedation, begin hydrating the day prior to your appointment to help with starting the IV. 8 hours of fasting will be required prior to the procedure time. No solid food during this period. Clear fluids are permitted up until 2 hours prior to your appointment. At the 2-hour mark, absolutely no food or liquid, including water, is allowed. A responsible caretaker will also be required to escort patients to and from the procedure and monitor the patient for at least 6 hours after dismissal since the patient will be groggy for the rest of the day.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Pham or Dr. Marquez for a comprehensive discussion to determine which option is best for you! We are here to help you get the dental treatment you need, as comfortably as possible. Give our office a call today if you have any additional questions about IV conscious sedation. We are happy to help and answer any questions.