IV Sedation

(Intravenous sedation “TWILIGHT SEDATION”)

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Our office offers our patients the option of Intravenous Sedation or Conscious sedation. Some refer to it as “Twilight Sedation” for their periodontal treatment. It is a middle ground type of sedation that does not put you fully to sleep.

Intravenous Sedation or “twilight sleep” helps you become comfortable and relaxed during periodontal procedures. It makes you less aware of what is going on around you during the procedure. It also creates “anterograde amnesia” in some patients, where it helps them not remember their procedure. IV sedation is offered mainly to alleviate the anxiety associated with your treatment. You may not always be asleep but you will be comfortable, calm and relaxed.

 

HOW IS THE IV SEDATION ADMINISTERED?

Sedation medications (Versed &/or Fentanyl) are administered by an intravenous tube/catheter which is attached to your arm or your hand. The objective of this kind of sedation is to be able to “titrate the dose” of medication by using as little medication as possible to make you very relaxed during the treatment. It allows for much more control compared to oral sedation. An antidote can be given through the same intravenous tube/catheter, at any time, to reverse the effects of the sedation, if deemed necessary (although this is rarely ever needed).

 

The American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists recommends not eating or drinking anything at least eight hours before your visit or procedure. We will provide you with more specific details on eating and drinking, including when to start fasting, based on the time of your visit.