IV Sedation

What is IV sedation and how does it work?

Many of the more complicated oral surgery procedures can now be performed in the office with the aid of intravenous (IV) sedation. Commonly referred to as “twilight sleep,” IV sedation differs from general anesthesia in that you will be responsive to your environment during the procedure, but most likely won’t remember it.

We require that you eat or drink nothing for six hours before the procedure. If your surgery is to be in the morning, do not eat or drink anything when you wake. An empty stomach at surgery time means you are less likely to have a very serious problem during the surgery, or have nausea later. If your surgery is planned for the afternoon, you may have clear liquids for breakfast (soup broth, black coffee, water, apple juice, etc.) then nothing else.

If you have had drug reactions or sensitivities, you must tell your doctor about these, for they may influence his choice of medications. If you are a diabetic or take medications regularly and are concerned about missing a dose, please call for special instructions.

Because you will have received sedation medications, your reflexes and level of consciousness will be depressed for several hours after the procedure. You are not to drive, operate machinery, or be walking about by yourself for the remainder of the day. A responsible adult must be with you in the office at the time of surgery and afterward for four to six hours (longer if necessary) until the medication has worn off and you are completely awake, alert, and able to take care of yourself.

Our doctor and staff will discuss your medical history with you. Your blood pressure will be evaluated. In order to watch your pulse throughout the entire procedure, a heart monitor and oxygen level sensor is used. Medications for relaxation and discomfort will be given intravenously. A local anesthetic is also administered to further increase the comfort and safety of your procedure.

As with any procedure or anesthetic, there is always a slim possibility of complications occurring before, during or after surgery or sedation. We always attempt to identify those patients who will be an increased risk before the procedure so we can give them special care to avoid problems.

Other Procedures: