Intravenous sedation (IV) is aimed at calming the patient and reducing their anxiety during dental surgery.
IV sedation is a supplement to local anaesthesia. It involves intravenous administration of analgesics and sedatives as well as continuous monitoring of the patient.
IV sedation makes it possible to keep the patient in a state of limited consciousness, without the need for general anaesthesia, which improves safety.
Sedation is a procedure that provides the patient with a complete lack of pain, stress and anxiety and short-term memory loss (i.e., the patient does not remember the procedure).
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OFFICE BASED ANESTHESIA Q&A
Indications and Contraindications for Intravenous Sedation
The indications for sedation include:
- dentophobia – fear of dental surgery
- long surgical procedures
- strong gag reflex
- nervous hyperactivity
- chronic diseases requiring the presence of an anaesthesiologist during the procedure
- treatments requiring intravenous administration of antibiotics and anti-swelling drugs
Strict:
Non-compliance with the requirement to fast before the procedure is a strict contraindication
Relative:
- pregnant women
- patients with uncontrolled diabetes
- patients with renal and hepatic insufficiency
- patients with decompensated hyperthyroidism
- patients using psychoactive substances
- patients with advanced respiratory diseases such as asthma, emphysema, bronchiectasis
Preparation for Intravenous Sedation
In order to prepare for the sedation procedure, the patient must remain on an empty stomach, i.e. six hours without a meal and four hours without drinking fluids. The patient should also be in good general condition and without infection (cough, runny nose, fever). If you are being treated for chronic diseases, it is advisable to provide the relevant information cards from the course of treatment.
The Course of Intravenous Sedation
Sedation is performed by your surgeon, who provides the patient the medication intravenously, because in this way it is easier to control. As a rule, short-acting drugs are administered so that the patient can function independently shortly after the procedure.
During sedation, despite the use of drugs acting on the central nervous system, the patient stays awake all the time and is in verbal contact with the doctor. The patient is in a state of deep sedation, often combined with shallow sleep. Their movements are slowed and they do not feel any fear or anxiety.
After the Procedure
After the sedation, the patient can return home, but the presence of an accompanying person is REQUIRED. They should not drive motor vehicles themselves or use machines or mechanical devices. They cannot make any important life decisions.
Inhalation sedation
Stress before dental procedures can eventually turn into dentophobia and discourage dental treatment, even for life. Inhalation sedation using a mixture of gases (nitrous oxide and oxygen) is a safe and pleasant method that makes it possible to forget the fear of treatment. This method is widely accepted and embraced with enthusiasm by patients who are concerned about dental visits. Inhalation sedation induces a state of physical relaxation and pleasant bewilderment, while maintaining the patient’s awareness and basic reflexes. The patient responds to the doctor’s orders and is able to speak, although their awareness may be partially limited. The inhalation sedation system stands out for providing the safety, reliability and ease of use needed for stress-free treatment for both the patient and the doctor.
How does the body react to nitrous oxide?
- possible slight tingling of the tongue or fingers
- reduced fear and anxiety
- the patient’s awareness is maintained (the patient is able to keep their mouth open by themselves)
- the cough reflex is preserved
- visual and verbal contact is maintained (though may be delayed)
- possible greater sensitivity to sounds
- dreams may occur
Preparation for inhalation sedation with nitrous oxide
- do not eat for at least 2 hours and preferably 3 hours before the treatment
- children must be looked after by an adult – either a parent or legal guardian
- no alcohol consumption on the day of surgery
After the procedure
According to the literature, the patient may drive motor vehicles 30 minutes from the end of the procedure, however, for the sake of safety of our patients, we recommend that they do not drive at all on the day of sedation.
If you’d like to learn more about in-office anesthesia, contact Oral Surgery Specialists of New York. Call today or use this website to schedule an appointment to discuss your options.
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