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IV Conscious Sedation Dentistry is a unique and innovative approach to dentistry that helps people overcome their fear of dental procedures.
Millions of people avoid dental visits each year because they are afraid of the pain and discomfort associated with traditional dental procedures.
IV Conscious Sedation Dentistry offers patients a safe and comfortable dental experience. Our sedation dentists will make sure you are fully comfortable during your procedure.
What is IV conscious sedation dentistry?
IV conscious sedation dentistry is a type of dental sedation that uses intravenous (IV) medication to help patients relax during their dental procedure. This type of sedation is also sometimes referred to as twilight sleep dentistry or moderate sedation dentistry. “Conscious” refers to the patient not being fully asleep, but being aware and able to respond to light touch and when spoken to directly.
How Does IV Conscious Sedation Dentistry Work and Is It Right for You?
IV conscious sedation dentistry works by administering a mild sedative and a pain reliever through an IV line. This medication will help you relax and feel comfortable during your dental procedure. In many cases, it can even provide the patient with short term amnesia, meaning that you won’t remember the actual procedure. Most patients remember coming to the office and leaving, but not the actual appointment work, which makes for a nice experience for them!
IV sedation dentistry is right for you if you are afraid of the dentist, have a low pain threshold, or need extensive dental work. If you are pregnant, have a history of heart disease or other medical conditions, you may not be a good candidate for this type of sedation. Talk to our dentists to find out if it may be right for you.
What are the Benefits of IV Conscious Sedation Dentistry?
IV conscious sedation dentistry offers many benefits for patients who are afraid of the dentist or need extensive dental work. Some of the benefits include:
- Being able to dose the sedation to an effective level for every patient based on their individual case
- The sedative will help you relax and feel comfortable.
- You will be able to get the dental work you need done as opposed to delaying it due to anxiety and fear, leading to worse outcomes when not dealt with
- It’s also a good choice for those who need extensive dental work and would like to get it all done in one visit, or at least less visits than it would normally take
- You can resume your normal activities a little faster after your appointment compared to deep sedation or general anesthesia as the recovery and side effects are not as long
- IV conscious sedation also carries less risk and cost than deep sedation or general anesthesia
If you are interested in learning more about IV conscious sedation dentistry, please contact our office to schedule a consultation. Our experienced and caring team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
What are the risks of IV conscious sedation dentistry?
IV sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to help patients relax during their dental procedure. However, as with any type of medical procedure, there are some risks associated with IV sedation dentistry. These risks include:
- Allergic reactions to the medication
- Breathing problems
- Heart problems
- Nausea and vomiting
Risks can be minimized by following the instructions of your sedation dentist. We will ask you about your medical history and any allergies you may have before administering the medication.
If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
What should I expect before, during and after my appointment?
Before your appointment…
We ask that you fast for about 8 hours prior to your appointment, but can have clear liquids up to 2 hours prior to your appointment (water, apple juice, tea, black coffee). You should also avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment, as well as marijuana products. We also ask that no other sedative medications are taken prior to your appointment. Medications you are currently on, and whether to stop them or not, will be discussed with your dentist at your consultation.
During your appointment…
Dr. Dhaliwal will administer the medication through an IV line. You will be monitored closely during your procedure to make sure you are comfortable and safe.
After your procedure…
You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the balance of the day and ideally at night as well. You should avoid alcohol and operating machinery for at least 24 hours after your procedure. Eat lightly for 6 hours after the sedation (ex. Toast, clear fluids) and after that, diet as tolerated.
What is the cost of IV conscious sedation dentistry?
The cost of IV conscious sedation dentistry will vary depending on the length and complexity of your procedure. We will provide you with a cost estimate during your consultation.
We accept payment by cash, cheque, and credit card, as well as dental insurance. We also offer financing options to make dental care more affordable.
If you are interested in learning more about IV conscious sedation dentistry, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.
How is IV sedation dentistry different from oral and nitrous oxide?
IV sedation dentistry is different from oral and nitrous oxide sedation because it uses a sedative as well as a pain reliever that is administered through an IV line. This medication will help you relax and feel comfortable during your dental procedure. Oral and nitrous oxide sedation use medications that are taken orally or inhaled, respectively. These medications can also help you relax, but they do not provide the same level of sedation as IV sedation dentistry. With IV sedation, we can titrate the level of sedation to an effective level based on the needs of each individual patient, which is not the case with oral and nitrous sedation; sometimes patients will not get to the level of sedation they need to be comfortable with oral and nitrous sedation.
Schedule a FREE Consultation
If you are interested in learning more about IV conscious sedation dentistry, please contact our office to schedule a complimentary consultation. During this consultation, we will answer any questions you may have and help you determine if this type of sedation is right for you. East Mahogany Dental is here to serve everyone in the South East Calgary area, so don’t hesitate to contact us today!