In dentistry, IV sedation is often called “twilight sedation.” It involves the intravenous (IV) administration of medication that induces a relaxed, drowsy state. In dentistry, the patient is safely sedated and unaware of what is happening around them.

At Lake Mountain Dental, IV sedation is safe because an IV-trained medical professional carefully manages the sedation. The dental professional will monitor the patient closely, and the effects of IV sedation will wear off quickly.

How Does IV Sedation Work?

IV sedation is administered intravenously. IV stands for intravenous, which means the drug is administered directly to the bloodstream rather than delivered through the digestive system. This keeps patients from feeling tired and nauseous after the procedure.

What Types of Dental Treatments Can Be Performed Using IV Sedation?

Dental procedures that may require IV sedation include:

• Root canals
• Extractions
• Oral surgery
• Periodontal treatment
• Receiving multiple restorations at once
• Sedation during short visits
• Sleep apnea treatment

The Benefits of IV Sedation

Patients that suffer from dental anxiety can benefit from IV sedation. It can help make dental appointments feel less intimidating for patients that would rather avoid the dentist altogether. IV sedation can also help ease pain and discomfort in procedures like root canals, oral surgeries, and dental implants. Patients receiving IV sedation will likely not remember much about the process, and the recovery time is much shorter than with oral sedation.

Is IV Sedation Safe?

IV sedation is safe when administered by a trained and experienced dental professional. It’s one of the safest sedation options available. The medication is carefully regulated, and the chemicals are delivered directly to the bloodstream. This method of sedation gives patients the most complete and safest experience.

How Long Is Recovery with IV Sedation?

Recovery time varies from person to person and will depend on several factors. It also depends on how much work was done. You should expect to feel groggy when waking up from IV sedation. Some people might experience nausea or vomiting. If this occurs, you must have someone drive you home after your appointment.

Your entire mouth will be numb for a few hours after your appointment. You can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen. However, if ibuprofen makes you nauseous, you should take acetaminophen instead. Do not use alcohol or drive until the effects of your sedation have worn off. 

To learn more about the advantages of IV sedation, visit Lake Mountain Dental at 4342 E Pony Express Pkwy Eagle Mountain, UT, 84005 or call 801-830-4486.