Intravenous (IV) Sedation

IV sedation, sometimes called twilight sedation helps you stay comfortable and calm when undergoing dental procedures. IV sedation is designed to create a “twilight” sleep and essentially removes the anxiety associated with your procedure. You may not always be asleep, but you will be calm and relaxed, drifting in and out of sleep. IV sedation/anesthesia is administered and monitored in our office, therefore eliminating the costly expense of having your treatment performed in an operating room or same day surgical facility.

IV sedation is administered through an intravenous tube to a vein in your arm or hand. Some patients fall asleep while others will slip in and out of sleep. Some patients with medical conditions and/or on specific drug regimens may only be lightly sedated and may not sleep at all.

The goal of IV sedation is to use as little medication as possible to get the treatment completed. It is very safe – much safer, in fact than oral sedation. With IV sedation, a constant “drip” is maintained via the intravenous tube and can be adjusted at any time. When the procedure is finished, an antidote can be administered to reverse the effects of the medications.

Before IV Sedation

• You may not have anything to eat or drink (including water) for 6 hours before the appointment. Any medications should be taken with a very small sip of water.

• A responsible, licensed adult must accompany the patient to the office, must stay in the office during the procedure, and drive the patient home.

• Wear loose fitting clothing with short sleeves or sleeves that can be rolled up past the elbow and low-heeled shoes.

• Do not wear lipstick, excessive makeup, or nail polish on the day of surgery.

• If you have an illness such as a cold, sore throat, stomach or intestinal problems, please notify the office.

• If you take routine oral medications, please check with Dr. Shirley or a member of our staff before your surgical date for instructions.