If you're an anxious or a nervous patient, IV sedation might be a good option for you. It can help you feel more relaxed during your dental treatment.

It’s common to feel a little anxious or nervous about receiving dental treatment. There are different ways that our dentists can make you feel more comfortable during treatment. One way is with IV sedation. 

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What is IV sedation (aka concioius sedation)?

After administering an IV sedative, the patient becomes very relaxed and drowsy, often to the point of thinking they have been asleep (unconscious) during treatment. This is a result of the amnesia (forgetfulness) effect of the sedative agents. In fact, the patient has not been unconscious (as is the case with a general anaesthetic), merely sedated, which is why it is described as “conscious sedation”.

Conscious dental sedation is a an effective technique for taking the fear out of dentistry and making it possible to handle unpleasant dental procedures.

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Risk management

Your dentist will ask about your medical history, your health, and what medicines or tablets you are taking. All must be taken into account when considering sedation and to design an appropriate sedation procedure.

Not all patients will be suitable for IV sedation in a dental clinic setting. Ask your dentist about booking in for an IV sedation consultation to see if you are suitable. 

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Anxiety and fear

Anxiety and fear in relation to dental procedures is more common than you might think – and the reasons are many. With fear comes avoidance but if dental issues are left unaddressed, this can have serious long-term health implications.

For many people even the idea of a routine dental check-up can feel utterly overwhelming and create feelings of shame.

Sedation in dentistry is about providing people with a respectful, comfortable and non-threatening dental experience. It allows people to move forward, beyond fear and avoidance, to take care of their dental health.