5 Facts You Should Know About IV Sedation Dentistry

What if there’s a way you could get the dental care you need—without pain, anxiety, or the risks of general anesthesia? Would you try it? If you are waiting for a catch, there isn’t. This is what IV sedation in Shelby Township, Michigan, does—it provides a calmer, more comfortable experience without making you unconscious. 

Curious about IV sedation dentistry? Take a moment to explore the facts, guided by the expertise of Dr. Ban R. Barbat.

1. You’ll remain conscious but deeply relaxed

IV sedation is delivered directly to the bloodstream through a vein in your arm. Its effects kick in within minutes, and we can adjust the dosage throughout your treatment. 

Unlike general anesthesia (GA), which knocks you unconscious, IV sedation in Shelby Township creates a state of semi-consciousness. You’ll not know the moment-to-moment details of your treatment, but you can respond to verbal cues. 

2. You won’t remember the details of your treatment

The anti-anxiety medication used in IV sedation creates a calming amnesiac effect. While you’ll remain conscious during your procedure, you’ll likely remember very little, if anything, about it.  Many patients’ only memory is sitting down in the dental chair.

Although temporary memory loss may sound unusual, it’s one of the most appreciated benefits of IV sedation. It helps block out the sounds, sights, smells, and sensations that often trigger dental anxiety, making future visits effortless and stress-free.

3. It provides three levels of sedation

One of the greatest perks of IV sedation is that it can be adjusted to suit your comfort level. There are three levels of sedation.

• Mild sedation: Think of mild sedation as taking the edge off. You’re still fully awake and aware, but you feel relaxed, at ease, and unbothered by the sights and sounds around you.
• Moderate sedation: This is sometimes known as twilight sleep or conscious sedation. You’ll feel more sleepy, and your memory of the procedure may be spotty or completely blank. 
• Deep sedation: You’ll be unresponsive and completely asleep. However, you’ll be awakened with relative ease, unlike general anesthesia. 

4. You will still need local anesthesia

Even with sedation dentistry, local anesthesia is still necessary. Sedation helps you to relax, but it isn’t a painkiller. That’s why we anesthetize you to ensure you’re completely comfortable throughout your procedure.

Worried about the injection? You won’t even notice it. We wait until you’re fully sedated before administering the local anesthetic, so there’s no discomfort or anxiety about the shot itself. It’s all part of our commitment to a truly stress-free dental experience.

5. It’s safe when administered by trained personnel

Jittery about IV sedation? Don’t be. It’s completely safe when administered by an anesthesia-trained provider like Dr. Barbat. An in-depth pre-procedure screening and monitoring of your vitals throughout your procedure ensures maximum safety. Although rare, we also have the skills and equipment to address potential complications. 

IV sedation near me in Shelby Township, MI

Dr. Ban R. Barbat offers multiple sedation options, including IV sedation, to ensure you can relax through even complex procedures for patients in Shelby Township, MI, and areas around Macomb County and Oakland County. Ready to discover if IV sedation is right for you? Call (586) 551-7255 and schedule a free consultation.

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