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Many patients fear to go to the dentist, and they avoid dental care due to anxiety, which can have serious oral health and overall health consequences. Because of this IV sedation is becoming more popular in dental certain procedures.

Through IV sedation, individuals can be kept in a relaxed state throughout a dental procedure. It can also help with preventing pain and reducing the ability to remember the procedure when it is completed. The effect of easily forgetting the gory details is caused by the anti-anxiety drug used in IV sedation. General anesthesia via inhalation can also be used to sedate patients but since that poses greater risks, this can only safely be provided within hospital.

What does being under sedation feel like?

IV sedation puts you in a state of deep relaxation, but it certainly does not induce deep sleep. This means that you will remain conscious and will be able to respond to requests from your dentist.

Advantages of IV Sedation

The key benefits include:

• Together with producing a rapid action, the dosage in IV sedation can be tailored to meet the individual’s needs. This is a major advantage compared to oral sedation, where the dosage cannot be easily altered, and so the effects cannot be quantified. Consequently, IV sedation is seen as the most reliable and highly effective form of sedation.
• More importantly, gag reflex can be significantly diminished with IV sedation. People receiving IV sedation, rarely experience gagging.
• IV sedation is considered safe as it does not compromise the procedures since the individual is conscious and able to cooperate with the doctor’s instructions.

Disadvantages of IV Sedation

IV sedation falls short in certain areas:

• IV sedation is only considered as an alternative to regular procedures or for a potentially traumatic procedure. Your dentist should not be hasty when deciding between the regular procedure and IV sedation. Overuse of IV sedation can cause high tolerance, and “weaning off” can be difficult for some patients.
• After administering IV sedation, the effects take time to fade away. So, the individual needs to be escorted by a responsible adult.

At London Dental Smiles we have a dedicated anesthetist who oversees all our sedation sessions.  He has had many years of experience so you can secure in the knowledge that your treatment is being carried out in a safe and controlled manner.  Call us for more information or book for an assessment on 02084592324