What is IV Sedation?

IV Sedation is the most advanced form of dental sedation. The technique uses a combination of pain relieving and sedative drugs placed directly in to your vein which renders you completely relaxed and unaware of the dentistry that is being performed. This technique requires extensive training and a Conscious Sedation Permit issued by the Dental Board of Ohio. Less than 1% of general dentists in Ohio have a Conscious Sedation Permit. Both Dr. Thompson and Dr. Smith have this Conscious Sedation Permit.

Does IV Sedation hurt? Do I feel pain?

The drugs used in IV Sedation are powerful pain relieving drugs which make you feel comfortable and free of pain.

Can I hear the drilling sound ?

You may “hear” the dental tools but you will be unaware you are hearing it. IV sedation induces a state of deep relaxation and a feeling of not being bothered by what is going on.

Can all my work be done in one appointment ?

We try to do as much treatment as possible in one visit. Our average sedation appointment is 2 ½ hours. However, some appointments last up to 4 hours. What we can accomplish with each patient, and how many visits it takes, is determined after a complete dental examination.

Do a lot of people feel like I do? Anxious about going to the dentist?

There are many people, just like you, that have had bad experiences at a dental office. We have found this makes them delay urgently needed dental care, care that will prevent pain and the loss of their teeth. Patients that have been sedated for dental care state that they wish they would have known about this type of sedation years before, because if they had, they would not have neglected their teeth.

Is IV Sedation safe?

The Moderate sedation that is used with IV Sedation is perfectly safe. All of the patient's protective reflexes and vital functions are intact. (coughing, breathing, heart function, etc)

The level of sedation is precisely controlled and each patient is given only the amount of sedative that they need to be relaxed. We are not rendering the patient unconscious and we have reversal agents for the sedative we use, if the need arises.

In addition the patient is placed on the appropriate monitoring equipment and is observed and monitored until they are awake and moving around. At the end of the appointment they are escorted home by the responsible adult of their chosing.

Is IV Sedation just for scared people?

Sedation can be used on any type of patient. While the vast majority of patients that we sedate have a fear or anxiety about dental treatment, there are many that simply want to be very comfortable during treatment. Many times patients can not afford taking time off work for multiple appointments, so we sedate them to allow us to do a large amount of treatment in a longer appointment and have the patient comfortable during the entire appointment.

Will I remember anything about my appointment ?

No. You will be unaware of what is going on around you but will be able to understand and respond to requests from your dental team. “open your mouth”, “how are you doing?” etc.

Most patients remember little about the appointment because of two factors. IV sedation induces a state of deep relaxation and a feeling of not being bothered by what is going on. And, the drugs used for IV sedation can produce either a partial or full memory loss (amnesia) for the period of time when the drug first kicks in until it wears off. As a result, time will appear to pass very quickly and you will not recall much or perhaps nothing at all, of what happened.

I cannot seem to "get numb". Can IV Sedation help me?

Yes it can. When sedated, patients that having trouble “getting numb” have no difficulty in getting the dental treatment that they need.

Can I drive home after my appointment?

No. After your treatment you will be groggy and unsteady and therefore must have a responsible adult (18 + years of age) escort you home. Patients should not drive a vehicle, operate dangerous equipment or make any important decisions for at least 24 hours after receiving intravenous sedation

Will my dental benefits of my dental insurance plan pay for IV Sedation?

Our experience is that insurance companies are not concerned with your dental anxiety and the need for advanced sedative techniques. Most do not pay a benefit.

I've seen other websites for dentists that use pills for sedation. What is different about your office?

The sedative effect with oral sedation(pills) is very unpredictable and not as reliably effective as IV sedation. It's difficult to determine prior to the start of the dental procedure how many pills a patient will require to be sedated. For this reason the patient can be over or under sedated. Once the dental treatment has begun there is no way to increase (or decrease) the level of sedation if the need should arise. In addition, the drugs used in oral sedation have no pain control properties.

Why don't more dentists offer IV Sedation?

Ohio law requires a dentist to have special permit to perform IV Sedation. The training is extensive to qualify for this permit. Every dentist has different goals and philosophies as to the type and quality of dental care that they want to offer to their patients. Dr. Thompson and Dr. Smith are passionate about being able to offer their patients the best that dentistry has to offer. This commitment involves continuous education and training but benefits each patient that we care for.