IV Sedation - Dental Treatment in a Comfortable and Calm State

Intravenous Sedation, also known as “twilight sleep” enables patients to be very comfortable & calm during treatment. Some patients will be asleep while others may "slip in & out" of sleep or not sleep at all.

With oral conscious sedation, you will take pills prior to your appointment to reduce anxiety. This method of sedation requires that you have someone to drive you to & from your appointment.

What is IV Sedation?

Intravenous sedation is a form of sedation that allows you to undergo treatment in a very comfortable and calm state. Sometimes referred to as “Twilight Sedation”, you will feel relaxed, drifting in and out of sleep (as opposed to general anesthesia where you are completely unconscious).

Typically, benzodiazepines are used for this type of sedation, which is well known for its relaxing & sleep-inducing properties. Because the medications can be impairing, patients will need to have someone drive them to & from their appointments if they choose this option.

Nitrous Oxide sedation involves breathing in a sweet-smelling, colorless & nonirritating gas to help you feel at ease during your appointment. We will control the level of sedation at all times, allowing you to come in and out of this pleasant state of relaxation. This is a great choice for people who have mild dental anxiety or for those who will be undergoing lengthy procedures. It is very safe and there is no "hangover" effect from this form of sedation.

How is IV Sedation Administered?

IV Sedation Madison Heights MI can be administered using a thin needle inserted into a vein in your arm or hand. We use topical anesthetics to reduce discomfort before the needle is placed. Many patients report that the sensation feels like a pinch or prick.

Once the sedative is in place it takes effect almost immediately. You will drift in and out of sleep & may not remember any of your treatment. You will need someone to drive you home after your appointment as the sedation can impair your ability to operate a motor vehicle.

If dental anxiety has prevented you from seeking important oral care, contact our sedation dentist in Heights, MI today to explore the benefits of anxiety-free dental treatment! We can’t wait to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. During your initial consultation, you will have the chance to communicate your fears and concerns with Dr. in a supportive environment. This open dialogue allows us to understand your needs and provide you with the best sedation dentistry option for your personal goals & comfort level.

How Does IV Sedation Work?

IV sedation allows us to administer medications directly into your bloodstream, which offers very quick & consistent effects. A thin needle is placed into a vein in the inner elbow or the top of your hand, which is then connected to an intravenous tube through which medication will be administered. Our doctors monitor your sedation level continuously, ensuring that you remain comfortable & relaxed throughout treatment.

Some patients fall asleep under this type of sedation, while others drift in & out of sleep – similar to a "twilight sleep". Our dentists control the depth of your sedation at all times, allowing us to quickly change your level if needed.

Because benzodiazepines inhibit your judgment & coordination, you will need someone to drive you to & from our office if you choose this option. You will also likely feel sluggish or tired for the remainder of the day, so you will want to rest at home.

What Are the Benefits of IV Sedation?

Many people avoid receiving necessary dental treatment due to extreme anxiety & fear. Fortunately, sedation dentistry offers an effective way to reduce the severity of these symptoms & help patients overcome their fears. IV Sedation Madison Heights MI is an option for patients with extreme anxiety or those who are scheduled to undergo extensive procedures, including oral surgery.

Unlike nitrous oxide, the medication administered with this technique can provide a deeper level of relaxation. Depending on your needs, you may drift in & out of sleep or remain awake throughout the procedure. This form of sedation is also an excellent choice for those with a heavy gag reflex, as it eliminates this sensation entirely.

A thin needle will be introduced into a vein in your arm or hand, though Laughing Gas & topical anesthetics can significantly reduce this discomfort prior to the insertion of the needle. Since the sedative will impair your ability to function, you’ll need someone to drive you to & from the appointment.