IV Sedation in NW, Calgary

Many people dread visiting the dentist – even the thought of making an appointment prevents people from getting the oral health attention they need. 

This anxiety can stem from a fear of pain, a bad experience, sensitive teeth, or even just a general dislike of being in a doctor’s office. That’s why Valley Ridge Dental gives patients the option of IV Sedation in NW, Calgary. 

Even those who are not usually afraid of visiting the dentist can feel some anxiety when they have to get specific procedures. Wisdom teeth extractions, root canals, and other complicated procedures are things that anyone would be stressed and worried about. IV Sedation can be the solution for all these fears.  

What Is IV Sedation? 

IV Sedation is a way to deliver sedatives through intravenous means. It’s sometimes even referred to as intravenous conscious sedation.  

When you get IV Sedation for a dental procedure, your doctor will use a fine, thin needle to insert a tube into your vein. This is located on your arm or the back of your hand. The needle will then be withdrawn, leaving the tube in place. The sedatives are then pumped through the tube into your bloodstream. Once the sedatives get into your bloodstream and start to take effect, you’ll begin to feel light-headed, but not uncomfortably so. 

Sedatives used for IV Sedation in dentistry are not designed to render you unconscious, but, instead, help you become incredibly relaxed. You will still be awake for your procedure, hence why it’s often called conscious sedation. This allows you to still follow directions given by your dentist and respond whenever you are asked a question. However, the sedation is likely to cause you to forget most of the procedure.  

What Should You Expect After the Procedure? 

Once your procedure is complete and the sedatives have worn off, there are a few things that you can expect to feel. The most notable of these effects is memory loss. While you won’t be asleep during your appointment, you’ll likely not form many memories of the event.  

Patients often report feeling some confusion, as it takes time for the sedatives to completely wear off. Because of this, you shouldn’t drive after you’ve received sedation. Be prepared; arrange for alternate forms of transportation so that you can get home safely after your operation. 

Once you’re home, it’s advised that you sit back and relax for the rest of the day. Spend most of your time reclining. Only take medications that your dentist approves and don’t consume any alcohol. You may experience nausea. If you experience any particularly unusual issues, contact your dentist as soon as possible.   

Do I Need IV Sedation? 

IV Sedation is not a necessary step for any dental procedure. However, this option is completely up to you as the patient. If you’re someone that does not get anxious about visiting the dentist, then there is no reason to administer sedation. It is entirely dependent on your level of comfort with any particular procedure.  

Will I Still Need To Be Numbed? 

IV Sedation is not a substitute for local anesthetic. If you’re undergoing a procedure that would typically require a local anesthetic, it will still be applied. 

Sedation’s purpose is only to calm any stress or anxiety you may feel; it is not a painkiller. There are some sedatives that include painkillers. However, your dentist still needs to apply local numbing before work is carried out. Your procedure will start after you have been numbed and sedated.  

What Types of Sedative Are Used? 

Dentists typically utilize common anti-anxiety sedatives known as benzodiazepines, colloquially called “benzos.” Benzos have three effects on the patients who take them. This medication: R 

• Reduces your anxiety
• Causes partial or total memory loss
• Makes you sleepy 

There are different brands that are known to be more likely to cause total memory loss.   

• Midazolam is a common benzodiazepine used. Dentists tend to choose this sedative over others because it is able to wear off faster.
• Diazepam is also used amongst dental professionals. It lasts longer than Midazolam and has a burning sensation side effect associated with it when it first enters the bloodstream.   

The dosage needed depends upon the person. When it’s administered, the drug being used flows into the bloodstream at 1 to 2 mg per minute, with space between to evaluate the effect before proceeding. 

Advantages of IV Sedation 

When compared to other forms of sedation, the intravenous method has its own unique advantages. It can be tailored to each individual, allowing for more reliable results. Other forms of sedation lack this precise control. This ultimately makes IV Sedation an ideal solution for many who are afraid of the dentist. 

If you think you need IV Sedation then consult our professionals at Valley Ridge Dental to find out if its right for you.