Adkins Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

IV Sedation

What is IV Sedation?

Intravenous (or IV) sedation is an excellent method of treatment for patients who have severe phobia and dental anxiety.

How it Works

During IV sedation, the patient is administered medication intravenously by a board certified anesthesiologist. Sedative medications induce a drowsy and relaxed feeling, enabling the patient to remain completely calm and sedated throughout their treatment.

Throughout this process, the patient’s vital signs are monitored and the patient remains unconscious. Sedation patients will have no memory of their treatment and must have a friend or family member bring them to the dental office and return them home.

Advantages of IV Sedation

Like oral sedation, IV sedation is an excellent method of treatment for patients who have any of the following concerns:

• Dental Anxiety
• Difficulty Getting Numb
• Very Sensitive Teeth
• Extensive Dental Needs

Oral Sedation: An Alternative to IV Sedation

What is Oral Sedation (Anxiolysis)?

Patients who are apprehensive about receiving dental treatment often avoid going to the dentist. Ultimately, this avoidance can lead to advanced disease and the need for extensive treatments that could have been avoided.

Oral sedation (anxiolysis) provides a safe, effective way to alleviate dental anxiety and provide patients with the treatment they need.

How it Works

Oral sedation (anxiolysis) makes use of a prescription medication that induces a drowsy, relaxed feeling. This is an oral medication usually in tablet form that the patient takes an hour before the appointment. No intravenous needles are used to achieve the sedation effect. Due to the relaxing effects of the medication, patients must have a friend or family member bring them to the dental office and return them home.

During oral sedation, the patient’s vital signs are monitored. Although patients are not completely unconscious, most patients sleep through their dental appointment. Very few patients have any memory of their treatment.

Advantages of Oral Sedation (Anxiolysis)

The aftermath of oral sedation (anxiolysis) does not include nausea or vomitting. Most patients go home, relax and sleep.

Patients often describe the oral sedation sleep as the "best sleep" they've ever had. Oral sedation (anxiolysis) is an excellent method of treatment for patients who have any of the following concerns:

• Discomfort with Needles and Shots
• Dental Anxiety
• Difficulty Getting Numb
• Very Sensitive Teeth
• Extensive Dental Needs