If you have trouble relaxing at the dentist’s office due to fear, phobia, or anxiety, you may consider sedation dentistry. There are a variety of number of different methods of sedation including: nitrous-oxide, anti-anxiety medication, and IV sedation.

IV sedation is a process which alleviates the most severe anxieties and allows you to freely receive the care you need. The process begins before your appointment takes place. In order to prepare effectively for this procedure, you must refrain from eating or drinking anything for eight hours before your scheduled appointment. Once you arrive at our office, the amount of sedative we give you at the start of your procedure is adjusted based upon the level of anxiety you feel. Immediately, you will feel relaxed and drowsy. Many of our patients fall asleep. While in this state, we will monitor you closely, with careful attention paid to your blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate. After your procedure, we will stop the IV and allow you to rest for 15-20 minutes. Additionally, we will most likely prescribe you some additional pain medication if it is necessary. Due to the lasting effects of the sedative, we require that you have a friend or family member drive you home. In addition, we also recommend that you stay with someone you trust for a 24 hour period following the procedure. By the next day, you should be feeling better.

IV sedation is not for everyone. Before we consider this method, we will review your medical history and healthy concerns very carefully.