What is IV sedation?
IV sedation uses medication to help you relax during dental procedures. Specifically, it administers medication intravenously through a needle into a vein.
Because the medication bypasses your digestive system entirely, it works much more quickly. Throughout treatment, Dr. Koch can adjust the amount of medication you receive, ensuring your comfort and allowing you to sleep while he works.
What are the advantages of IV sedation?
IV sedation presents a variety of advantages, including:
- Improved safety
- Less risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting
- Less risk of blood clots
- Improved patient outcomes
In addition, IV sedation wears off quickly. That means you won’t feel groggy following treatment.
What procedures use IV sedation?
At Advanced Dental Care of East Texas, Dr. Koch uses IV sedation for various procedures, including:
Wisdom teeth removal
Wisdom teeth removal typically takes between 60-90 minutes. Receiving IV sedation can minimize the discomfort associated with treatment.
Dental implant placement
During dental implant placement, Dr. Koch places titanium posts beneath your gum line. Afterward, they fuse with your jaw through a process called osseointegration, providing a base for dental restorations like crowns, a fixed bridge, or implant-retained dentures.
Gum treatment
If you have gingivitis or periodontitis, Dr. Koch might recommend IV sedation during nonsurgical gum treatment. That’s because infected gums are often more sensitive.
Am I a good candidate for IV sedation?
To determine if you’re a good candidate for IV sedation, Dr. Koch reviews your dental health history and conducts a comprehensive oral exam. During your appointment, let him know if you regularly take any prescription medication or nutritional supplements. In addition, disclose any underlying health problems like high blood pressure or diabetes.
Some medicines can interfere with the anesthesia and certain health problems may increase the risk of complications. Dr. Koch will want to make sure your health is stable before moving forward with treatment.
What is recovery like following IV sedation?
Following IV sedation, it’s normal to experience a mild headache or nausea. Since it takes a while for the medication to wear off, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home.
After your procedure, Dr. Koch moves you to a recovery room for observation. He monitors your vital signs, including your heart and respiratory rate for one to two hours before sending you home with a list of recovery instructions.
To learn more about the benefits of IV sedation, make an appointment at Advanced Dental Care of East Texas. Call to speak with a member of the administrative staff or click the online booking tool.
