What is intravenous (IV) sedation?
If you are nervous about having dental treatment or you are having a procedure which may cause discomfort, intravenous (IV) sedation is an effective and safe treatment.
We make every effort to manage our anxious patients to the highest standard, allowing plenty of time for dental appointments and creating a relaxing and welcoming environment. However, if you are particularly worried about dental treatment you may wish to consider the option of intravenous sedation. Intravenous sedation is used at this practice to carry out routine dental treatment on very anxious patients, as well as minor surgical procedures [i.e. removal of wisdom teeth].
How does it work?
The sedative drug is given by a small injection in the arm or back of the hand. This has the effect of relaxing you and enables the dentist to carry out the rest of your treatment quickly and efficiently. The amnesic effect of the sedative means that often people have no memory of the dental treatment completed.
The dentist will take a detailed medical history before carrying out the procedure, and also explain what will happen. Please let the dentist know of any medical conditions or of any medication you are currently taking. Sedation does not put you to sleep, it just helps you to relax. You will remain conscious throughout the treatment but you may not remember very much afterwards.