Intravenous (IV) Sedation

This technique uses medications for your safety and comfort during dental treatment. Sedation can help increase cooperation and reduce anxiety and/or discomfort associated with dental procedures. In particular, it can prevent injury by helping the patient stay still around the sharp or fast-moving instruments needed for treatment.

For this technique, the anaesthetist selects a medication and dose based upon the patients overall health, level of anxiety and dental treatment recommendations. It is not intended to cause a loss of consciousness. (In other words, the patient is relaxed but not asleep. They are able to respond to touch or voices.)

This approach may be recommended for more complex procedures, apprehensive patients, very young children and children with special health care needs who would not be able to receive necessary dental care in a safe and comfortable manner without it.

Sedation is safe when administered by an anaesthetist in line relevant professional guidelines. Parents should feel free to discuss with their dentist the different medications and sedation options, as well as the special monitoring equipment used for patient protection.

Things to consider if you are undergoing treatment under IV sedation

A complete dental examination usually with x-rays and other tests is required before arranging any dental treatment procedures. You will be fully informed and your consent to the recommended treatment is required.
Your medical health will need to be assessed preoperatively - if complex medical conditions exist, you may be required to meet with the Specialist Anaesthetist at a separate appointment prior to you IV sedation date
Complete fasting for at least 6 hours prior to the IV is required (including any fluids)
You must be accompanied by a responsible adult to and from the appointment and you must also have a responsible adult with you immediately after the IV session and for the next 8 hours
Operating any vehicle or machine for 12 hours is not permitted
No alcohol for 12 hours before and after treatment.
No activity requiring cognitive thought should be performed for 8 hours
You will need to arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment to complete paperwork

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering undergoing IV Sedation for a dental procedure, you might be wondering what to expect. We caught up with Dr. Jonathan Rogers to answer several of the most commonly asked questions regarding IV Sedation. Dr. Jonathan Rogers has been in dental practice for over 40 years and has extensive experience in treating anxious and apprehensive patients under IV Sedation.