Dental visits can make many patients feel nervous, especially when major treatments are needed.
Thankfully, IV sedation near you provides a safe and calming solution that helps you relax during dental care, but what does it feel like, and what should you expect before, during, and after the procedure?
Let’s understand everything about IV sedation and know how it works.
What Is IV Sedation and How Does It Work?
This kind of sedation is also known as “twilight sleep,” or IV sedation (intravenous sedation). You are not as asleep as with general anesthesia, but you are deeply relaxed and less aware of what’s going on around you. Most patients describe it as:
- A heavy sense of calm
- Time passing quickly
- No or little recall of the process
These effects make IV sedation a popular choice for patients with dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex or a complex dental procedure.
How Can a Dentist Help With Sedation?
Trust is the key factor of sedation dentistry. A dentist in NE Calgary can explain the process, monitor your safety, and recommend the best sedation. The right provider will help you feel confident about your smile.
What Happens When IV Sedation Begins?
Once the IV is in, the sedation kicks in within a few minutes. You may feel:
- Drowsy or lightheaded
- As if in a dream or trance
- Sounds, smells, and movement are less tolerated
The majority of patients tell us that they feel no pain, and they often have little, if any, recollection of the procedure afterwards.
Why Should You Work With a Dentist for IV Sedation?
Choosing a dentist near you for IV sedation means you’ll have accessible care if you need follow-ups or aftercare guidance. Local care makes the entire experience less stressful since you won’t have to travel far before or after treatment.
What Role Does a Dental Clinic Play in Sedation Dentistry?
At a dental clinic in NW Calgary, IV sedation is often part of a complete treatment plan. Sedation makes it possible to complete longer or multiple procedures in a single visit.
This not only reduces anxiety but also saves patients from having to schedule multiple appointments.
Will You Remember Anything During IV Sedation?
A common question patients ask is if they would feel aware of what’s happening during IV sedation. The reality is:
- You’ll feel deeply relaxed but not unconscious
- You may hear voices or movement, but you won’t feel bothered
- Most patients remember little to nothing afterward
This makes IV sedation in NW Calgary an excellent option for patients who want to get through treatment without fear or discomfort.
What Should You Expect After IV Sedation Wears Off?
Once the process is complete, sedation begins to wear off. Here’s what you can expect:
- You will likely be groggy for several hours.
- You should ask someone to take you home
- Rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day.
- Little memory lapses are perfectly natural
- Most patients feel fine within 24 hours.
How Can You Recover Smoothly After IV Sedation?
- Prearrange a ride home.
- Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions.
- It’s the booze and heavy machinery warning for 24 hours
- Hydrate and enjoy light meals once fully awake
Why Do Patients Choose IV Sedation?
Patients frequently choose to be sedated intravenously because it:
- Overcome dental fear and anxiety
- Stay comfortable during longer treatments
- Curb your sense of hearing and smell
- Total dental treatment that they may have neglected otherwise.
Wrapping Up!
It’s not unusual to feel nervous when it comes to dental work, but with IV sedation, treatment is easy! With the right team, you will simply remember how comfortable you felt during sedation and won’t remember much else after the procedure.
At Valley Ridge Dental Centre, we are here to provide care throughout every stage of your treatment, from your sedation to your recovery.
If you’ve put off dental care in the recent past, schedule your appointment now and see how we can offer you stress-free dentistry.