Intravenous Sedation

Administered through the blood stream, intravenous sedation provides quick and effective relaxation, but still enables you to communicate with your oral surgeon. IV sedation causes partial or full memory loss of the procedure. Time seems to pass very quickly.

Procedure

Do not eat or drink six hours prior to your appointment. Because the sedation will not be completely worn off at the end of the procedure, you will need to be driven home by a friend or family member. Your driver must be in the clinic waiting area before you can be sedated.

During IV sedation, an extremely thin needle wrapped in a plastic tube is slid into a vein in your arm or the back of your hand. After the needle is removed, the plastic tube—referred to as an “indwelling catheter”—is left behind. A solution of saline and dextrose is dripped into the vein. Medications causing drowsiness and pain relief will also be administered through the tube, which remains in place throughout the procedure.

A pulse oximeter, clipped to your finger or earlobe, measures pulse and oxygen levels throughout the procedure. You may be given oxygen through a nasal mask. Your blood pressure and heart monitoring (EKG) will be checked before, during, and after the procedure.

While IV sedation is very safe, contraindications include pregnancy, allergy to anti-anxiety medicines, alcohol intoxication, depression of the central nervous system, and some instances of glaucoma. Cautions include psychosis; impaired lung, kidney, or liver function; and advanced age.

Recovery

There is a recovery period of 15-20 minutes. You will be discharged in a wheel chair escorted by your driver. It is best to have an adult stay with you until you are fully alert. Get plenty of rest, and do not drive or operate any machinery the day of your procedure. Do not eat a heavy meal. If you experience nausea, lie down or drink a carbonated beverage. Do not drink alcohol or take other medications without first discussing it with your oral surgeon. Take all medications as directed.