Intravenous sedation (IV sedation) is an option that allows dental procedures to be performed while you are under the influence of a sedative drug given via an injection. It is often referred to as ‘sleep dentistry’ or ‘twilight dentistry’
Sleep dentistry is different to surgical procedures performed under general anaesthetic—you are not unconscious, but rather in an induced, highly relaxed, sleep-like state.
When you ‘wake up’ you will not remember anything about the entire procedure, will feel no pain during the procedure and will feel like no time has passed. Sedation dentistry is a very effective solution for people who experience anxiety prior to and during their dental visits. Sedation dentistry does not put you to sleep.
WHY SEDATION?
There are several reasons why you may choose sedation for yourself for a family member, including:
o Dental anxiety
o Pronounced gag reflex
o Allergies to local anesthesia or difficulty numbing
o Difficulty cooperating in the dental chair
o Desired treatment is lengthy
Conscious sedation options include nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedation. With these options you normally remain awake during the procedure. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedation will be appropriate depending on the severity your anxiety. To learn more about what type of sedation is right for you, schedule a consultation.
During conscious sedation, medication is used to help ease anxiety. Depending on the level of sedation, you can be lightly relaxed, or you can be sedated to the edge of consciousness where you will not be aware of much of the procedure and sights, sounds and smells will be toned out.
The following types of sedation are used by Dr. Lee:
Inhaled minimal sedation
You breathe nitrous oxide -- otherwise known as "laughing gas"
-- combined with oxygen through a mask that is placed over your nose. The gas helps you relax. Dr. Lee can control the amount of sedation you receive, and the gas tends to wear
off quickly. This is the only form of sedation where you may be able to drive yourself home
after the procedure.
Oral sedation
Depending on the total dose given, oral sedation can range from minimal to
moderate. For minimal sedation, you take a pill or a drink. Typically, the pill/drink,
Triazolam/Midazolam which is a member of the same drug family as Valium , and it is
usually taken about an hour before the procedure. The pill/Drink will make you drowsy,
although you will still be awake. Some people become groggy enough from moderate oral
sedation to actually fall asleep during the procedure. They usually can, though, be
awakened with a gentle shake.
IV moderate sedation
You receive the sedative drug through a vein, so it goes to work
more quickly. This method allows Dr. Lee to continually adjust the level of sedation.
Regardless of which type of sedation you receive, you will also typically need a local
anesthetic -- numbing medication at the site where Dr. Lee is working in the mouth
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