What is IV sedation dentistry?
IV sedation dentistry helps patients feel relaxed during dental treatments by using medication. When a patient has been sedated, they will still be conscious but unable to remember anything about the procedure.
At Woonona Dentists, sedation procedures are very low risk thanks to our visiting expert, Dr Shabbir Kermali. Dr Kermali monitors your breathing, blood oxygen levels, blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythms to make sure you are not experiencing any negative side effects during the procedure and in the recovery room.
Dr Kermali is also available for any questions you may have regarding intravenous sedation, its side effects, and your eligibility.
How does IV sedation work?
A catheter is inserted into your vein, which pumps the sedation medication directly into your bloodstream. The medication is administered throughout the procedure, and the dosage can be adjusted should you need more medication to stay sedated. You’ll be able to respond to your dentist’s requests and questions, although you won’t really know what is going on.
At our practice, IV sedation dentistry is generally used simultaneously with a local anaesthetic to block pain receptors and numb the site of the procedure.
Who is a candidate for IV sedation?
All our patients are potential candidates for intravenous sedation, but it is an ideal solution for patients with:
- Low pain thresholds
- Issues sitting still in the dentist’s chair
- Highly sensitive teeth
- A pronounced gag reflex
- Fear of the sights, sounds and smells of the dental surgery
- Fear of needles
- Undergoing extensive treatment
Should you have any health conditions, please let us know, seemingly unrelated conditions can have an impact on the effectiveness and safety of our sedation procedures such as hypertension, diabetes and cardiac disease and may require clearance from your doctor. Pregnant women, allergies to certain medications and some types of glaucoma can also affect your candidacy for IV sedation dentistry. Please inform us of all the medications you are taking as well.
How can I prepare for my sedation at Woonona Dentists?
There are certain things you must keep in mind to guarantee your safety when it comes to IV sedation dentistry.
If you were unwell during the two weeks before your appointment, please let us know. We may need to reschedule your treatment.
For the 24 hours leading up to your appointment, do not smoke. During the 6 hours preceding your appointment, do not eat or drink anything – we can schedule your appointment first thing in the morning if you think this will pose a problem.
On the day of your appointment, please do not wear any contact lenses, nail polish or jewellery. You should wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes and shoes. Also, remember to brush your teeth thoroughly shortly before heading to your appointment.
Keep in mind that if you want to receive IV sedation for any of your dental procedures at our practice, you will need to have someone to accompany you home. Although you will be awake following the procedure, you may still feel drowsy and unable to participate in your daily routine. So, before booking your appointment, make sure there is someone who can bring you to and from our practice on the day of your treatment.
Are there any side effects?
Although IV sedation dentistry is a low-risk procedure, you may experience some bruising at the injection site, nausea, vomiting and drowsiness. These side effects quickly subside.
Is there anything I should keep in mind for after my procedure?
It can take up to 24 hours before the sedative has left your body. Therefore, it is best to keep your diary clear and leave some time to rest. Also, abstain from consuming any alcoholic beverages during this period.
For the 24 hours following your sedation, do not drive or operate any heavy machinery.
Woonona Dentists strive to provide the most comfortable dental services possible, especially for nervous and anxious patients, so all our patients can receive the dental care they deserve. Contact us today on (02) 4210 9078 to book your sedation consultation.
