For anyone who suffers from dental anxiety, the option of receiving treatment under sedation is a very welcome one. Even those people who are perfectly comfortable with the dentist may prefer to be sedated for certain procedures. If you have any queries or concerns about the effects or recovery time of receiving this type of treatment, look no further than this quick guide that covers all you need to know about IV Sedation.
Preparation
Your dentist will go through all the preparation instructions before your appointment, making sure you know exactly what to expect for your IV sedation and what you need to do beforehand. To give you an idea, preparation generally involves not eating for a set length of time before the procedure and ensuring you have a chaperone when leaving the surgery. You should have someone who can stay with you for 24 hours afterward, as any type of IV sedation can leave you feeling woozy and unsteady on your feet. You will also need to divulge your medical history so the anesthetist can ensure they provide the correct dosage, keeping you as safe as possible.
What to Expect: IV Sedation Effects
As with any medical procedure involving sedatives, IV Sedation can leave you feeling very sleepy and sometimes even confused. It induces an effect of deep relaxation, often so deep you have no memory of the procedure after it’s over. The advantage of IV sedation over a general anesthetic is, although you may not remember it, you are fully conscious during the procedure and able to respond to questions and prompts from the dentist. It also carries a lower risk of complications. In fact, as long as it is carried out by an experienced and qualified dentist, IV sedation is extremely safe with little chance of lasting side effects.
Resident Dr. Millwala is fully experienced in IV Sedation and certified with the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, making Katy Cypress Oral Surgery & Implant Center an excellent choice if you are looking for this option for your dental health needs.
Recovery Time
Anyone considering this form of surgery feels recovery time is an important factor in their decision. The good news is recovery following an IV sedation is much quicker than that which follows oral or general anesthesia. You come around from the effects of the drugs quite quickly, meaning you shouldn’t have to stay at the dental office for long afterward.
The dentist will monitor you until they feel you are sufficiently recovered and able to travel home. You will probably feel drowsy for a few hours after the procedure, which is why a chaperone is so important. It is advised that a responsible adult remains with you for at least 12 hours following the IV sedation. Full recovery from the effects of the sedatives can take up to 24 hours. It is absolutely essential you do not drive or operate any heavy machinery within this time, even if you feel well.
You should be able to return to your normal activities 24 hours after your procedure. This includes work, meaning you shouldn’t have to take an extended time off to receive treatment.
If you have any further questions regarding IV sedation, please get in touch with our offices to speak to our team. They are on hand to put your mind at ease and ensure your dental procedure is as relaxed and hassle-free as possible.