FAQs About IV Sedation
WHAT IS IV SEDATION?
“IV” stands for intravenous. The medication we will use to sedate you will be administered through the veins. Many of our patients take advantage of IV sedation because of its rapid effects.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF IV SEDATION DURING MY PROCEDURE?
The number one goal for our patients is their relaxation and comfort. We are able to do this with the help of IV sedation. Our patients will tell you the IV sedation greatly reduced their anxiety and pain during their procedure. Dr. Adams is able to accomplish more high-quality and complex procedures in less time. IV sedation benefits our patients who have sensitive gag reflex or difficulty sitting for long periods of time. You will experience such relaxation that you will unaware of sights, smells and sounds during your procedure.
WHERE WILL THE IV BE PLACED DURING MY PROCEDURE?
The IV medication will be delivered to you with a small needle placed in either the top of your hand or within your inner elbow.
WHAT IF I AM AFRAID OF NEEDLES?
You are not alone. The fear of needles is not uncommon and because of this fear some people are not able to take advantage of the IV sedation. However, most of our patients will tell you that the sensation feels like a small pinch or prick. Also, we are able to further reduce the feeling by applying a topical numbing agent where the needle is to be placed.
WHAT WILL MY FIRST APPOINTMENT BE LIKE?
Your first appointment with our office will be a pre-operative appointment. At this appointment, Dr. Adams will review your complete health history, examine your x-rays, perform a preliminary oral exam and explain his recommended procedure. It is critical that you tell Dr. Adams about all medications and/or supplements you are currently taking so he can notate any potential drug interactions with the sedation medication we use. Our patients’ safety comes first. You may be asked to return for an appointment with our certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA) prior to your surgical appointment. Depending on your overall health and medications you are currently taking we may also request a medical clearance from your primary care physician.
WHAT WILL THE DAY OF MY SURGERY BE LIKE?
The night before your procedure, we ask our IV sedation patients to not eat or drink (even water) anything after midnight. We also require an escort to bring you to the appointment and remain here with the vehicle until you are ready to be taken home. Once in the operatory, one of our highly trained assistants will be with you at all time. You will never be left alone. We encourage patients to wear comfortable clothing and a short sleeved shirt the morning of their appointment. Once we have you settled in the dental chair, an assistant will bring you a blanket to ensure you are comfortable and warm.
Dr. Adams and our CRNA will closely monitor you throughout your surgical appointment. They will be tracking your blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, oxygen level and pulse. Dr. Adams and our assistants will also pay close attention to the position of your head and neck to ensure that your airway stays open and comfortable.
Once the IV medication has been administered, you will start to feel yourself relaxing. Any sights, sounds and smells around you will start to fade. Wrapped in blankets you will feel warm and safe. Dr. Adams is able to complete a significantly larger amount of high-quality dentistry while his patients are sedated.
HOW LONG WILL I BE IN RECOVERY AFTER MY SURGERY?
Every patient is different, so there is not set amount of time we can tell you. However, many of our patients will begin to feel more alert shortly after the IV medication has been stopped. If you experience any nausea after your procedure Dr. Adams will provide a prescription to help. We encourage our patients to then return home to sleep and drink plenty of water and clear fluids for the remainder of the day. When it comes recovering from the surgical procedure, we will provide you with specific instructions at your pre-operative appointment
WILL MY INSURANCE PAY FOR THE COST OF IV SEDATION?
Our patients have different insurance plans, so there is no single answer until we have you meet with our financial coordinator. Generally, dental insurance plans do offer coverage for part or sometimes even all of the cost of the IV sedation. We would encourage you to call and check with your specific insurance provider to confirm what benefits they do offer with your plan.
