IV Sedation Peterborough ON

What is IV sedation?

Sedation is a process used to establish a relaxed, easy and calm state through the use of sedatives. Sedative drugs (tranquilizers, depressants, anti-anxiety medications, nitrous oxide, etc.) can be administered in a variety of ways. In the past, intravenous (IV) sedation – sedatives delivered via injection into the blood vessels of the hand or arm – were predominantly used to sedate a dental patient.

Today, however, sedation dentistry has evolved to be even more conducive to a relaxing experience and patients have alternatives to the traditional modalities of inhalation (nitrous oxide or “laughing gas”) and IV sedation. Oral sedation dentistry is now the most common technique used in the United States and Canada to quell patient fears. The technique is easy and requires no needles. Best of all, the medications create such a comfortable experience that most patients do not remember the visit; it is as if they slept through the treatment. In reality, oral sedation dentistry maintains a level of consciousness in the patient for safety and cooperation. Note that sedation is different from anesthetic injections. Although some forms of sedation (such as nitrous oxide gas) may raise your threshold for pain, most dental treatments still require a local anesthetic injected into the mouth, even when sedation dentistry techniques are performed. However, they will occur after you are already sedated and comfortable, so most likely you won’t be bothered by or remember the sensation of having the injection.

IV sedation involves depressed consciousness in which a patient may not breathe independently, loses some of his/her reflexes, and is unable to respond to verbal/physical stimulation. This level of sedation is typically achieved with IV sedation or general anesthesia medications, the effects of which may linger for hours after the procedure is completed. Independent ventilatory (breathing) function may be impaired. The patient may require assistance to maintain airway.

IV Sedation Instructions