IV sedation is when a sedative is given into a vein. If you are nervous about having dental treatment or you are having a procedure which may be more complex, intravenous (IV) sedation is an effective and safe treatment.
IV sedation is an ideal way of helping you to relax if you are nervous about dental treatment. Sometimes, your dentist may recommend it if your treatment is likely to be particularly complex.
While under IV sedation, you will feel deeply relaxed but you will still be able to understand and respond to requests from the dentist. You may be unaware of the operation and this form of treatment is ideal for patients who are very nervous of getting dental treatment.
IV sedation is safe when it is supervised or carried out by a specially trained dentist.
IV sedation has four main effects:
- It will reduce your anxiety and make you feel relaxed.
- It will make you feel sleepy.
- It will make you less aware of the procedure.
- It will result in partial – or total loss of memory of the procedure.