Oral and IV Sedation for Dental Patients: The Complete Guide
Get to know more about oral & IV sedation
- Relax & feel calm during your treatment
- Breathe easily & remain comfortable
- Can minimize the sensation of pain
- Complete treatment in less time
- Safe & effective sedation options
Are you feeling anxious about your upcoming dental appointment? You're not alone! Millions of people feel anxious when they think about going to the dentist. If you're one of them, don't worry – there are options available to help make your experience more comfortable. Oral and IV sedation are two popular methods that dentists use to help patients relax during their visit.
IV sedation, also known as conscious sedation, is a type of sedation that is administered intravenously. This means that the medication is injected directly into your bloodstream through a small needle. IV sedation is used to help patients relax during dental procedures. It works quickly and can be adjusted to maintain the desired level of sedation throughout the procedure. While it’s safe and effective, there are some potential side effects associated with IV sedation, including nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. You will also need someone to drive you home after your appointment if you undergo IV sedation.
Oral sedation is another popular method of sedation dentistry. Unlike IV sedation, oral sedation is taken in pill form. The medication is usually a Benzodiazepine, which is a type of drug that acts on the central nervous system to produce a calming effect. Oral sedation can take up to an hour to take effect, but it usually lasts for several hours. This means that you will need someone to drive you home after your appointment if you choose to undergo oral sedation. Oral sedation is safe and effective, but there are some potential side effects associated with this type of sedation, including drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea. You should also avoid drinking alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment if you plan to take oral sedation.
If you have any questions about either of these types of sedation, please don't hesitate to contact your dentist in Nanaimo at Diver Lake Dental. We would be happy to help you choose the best option for your needs.