Helping Adults and Children Overcome Dental Phobias
How Does IV Sedation Work?
IV is short for “intravenous”, meaning the sedative is delivered straight into your veins through an injection. (The selected vein is usually in the inner elbow or the back of your hand.) It usually only takes a few minutes for the effects to kick in. While under IV sedation, time will seem to pass very quickly, and you’ll feel very relaxed. You will not, however, be unconscious; you’ll still have the ability to answer questions and follow simple directions.
Throughout your treatment, we will monitor you to make sure that your body is reacting well to the medication; we can also adjust the level of sedation as needed. At the end of your visit, you’ll usually find that you don’t remember much, if any, of the procedure. You will, however, likely need to have someone else drive you home since the sedation will take a while to fully wear off.
Who is a Good Candidate for IV Sedation?
We will most commonly suggest IV sedation for patients with high levels of fear or anxiety when it comes for dental work. It can work for both adults and children; it can be especially helpful if your little ones refuse to cooperate otherwise.
Other factors that can make someone a good candidate for IV sedation include:
- A low pain threshold
- Extremely sensitive teeth
- Becoming restless or antsy in the dental chair
- A bad gag reflex
- Undergoing an extensive dental procedure
Of course, no form of sedation dentistry in Scarborough is right for everyone. Pregnancy, CNS depression, certain types of glaucoma, and specific allergies could mean you’re not a good candidate for IV sedation. That’s why it’s important to provide as much information about your medical history and your current health as possible; it will help us make the right recommendation.
Recovering from IV Sedation
The effects of IV sedation can last for up to 24 hours or more, which means you’ll need to allow for plenty of recovery time. Arrange for another adult to take you home and spend the remainder of the day resting. It’s a good idea to make sure someone else is always nearby while you’re recovering. Don’t eat anything too heavy; limit yourself to light meals if you’re hungry. Lie down if you start feeling nauseous and take any medications we’ve prescribed as directed. If your nausea becomes severe or if you start experiencing unusual symptoms or discomfort, call your dentist in Scarborough right away.
