IV Sedation in Sevenoaks
IV sedation, also known as intravenous sedation, is a technique that can help suitable patients feel calmer and more relaxed during dental treatment. It may be considered for people who experience significant dental anxiety, dental phobia or difficulty coping with certain procedures.
At Sevenoaks Dental & Implant Centre, IV sedation may be available for suitable patients following an assessment. Your dentist will discuss your concerns, medical history and proposed dental treatment before deciding whether sedation is appropriate.
IV sedation does not replace the dental treatment itself. Instead, it is used alongside appropriate dental care to help make the experience more manageable for suitable patients.
What Is IV Sedation?
IV sedation means that a sedative medicine is administered through a vein, usually using a small cannula placed in the hand or arm.
The medicine takes effect relatively quickly and can produce a relaxed and drowsy state. Depending on the level of sedation, you may remain awake and able to respond to your dentist while feeling much calmer.
IV sedation is different from a general anaesthetic. The aim of dental sedation is generally to reduce anxiety and help you tolerate the planned dental treatment rather than deliberately making you unconscious.
Who May Benefit From IV Sedation?
IV sedation may be considered for adults who experience significant anxiety or fear around dental treatment.
It may be discussed where a patient:
- Feels very anxious about visiting the dentist
- Has previously had a difficult dental experience
- Has dental phobia
- Finds certain dental procedures particularly difficult to tolerate
- Has avoided dental treatment because of anxiety
- Requires a longer or more involved dental procedure and may benefit from additional support
Not everyone who feels nervous about dental treatment requires IV sedation. Your dentist will consider your individual circumstances and discuss other ways of making treatment more comfortable where appropriate.
Benefits of IV Sedation
No memory – you will have no memory of undergoing the procedure
Time Flies – you will haveno sense of time while under sedation
No fear or anxiety – you will haveno sense of smell or sound and no fear or anxiety during treatment.