Intravenous Sedation (IV  Sedation)

Our office offers our patients the option of Intravenous Sedation, also referred to as Dental Intravenous Anesthesia, or “Twilight Sedation,” for their dental treatment. This is what sets our office apart from other dental practices; it is our niche, if you will.

Intravenous Sedation or “twilight sleep” helps you to be comfortable and calm when undergoing dental procedures. It is designed to better enable you undergo your dental procedures while you are very relaxed. You may not always be asleep but you will be comfortable, calm and relaxed, drifting in and out of sleep – a “twilight sleep”. During IV sedation you will still be able to breathe on your own, sometimes talk and have a conversation, but your memory of the appointment will be limited.

If you choose the option of intravenous sedation your IV sedation/anesthesia is administered and monitored by Dr. Syed along with his team, therefore eliminating the costly expense of having your treatment carried out in an operating room or same-day surgical facility.

How Is IV Sedation Administered?

A thin needle will be introduced into a vein in your arm or hand. The needle will be attached to an intravenous tube through which medication will be given to help you relax and feel comfortable. At times a patient’s vein may not be able to sustain a needle for the length of the procedure. In this case, the medications will be administered and the needle retrieved. Both scenarios will achieve the same desired level of conscious sedation. Once again some patients may be asleep while others will slip in and out of sleep. Some patients with medical conditions and/or on specific drug regimens may only be lightly sedated and may not sleep at all.

The goal of IV sedation is to use as little medication as possible to get the treatment completed. With IV sedation, a constant “drip” is maintained via the intravenous tube. At any time an antidote can be administered to reverse the effects of the medications if necessary. Throughout your appointment your oxygen levels, heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing will be monitored to ensure patient safety.

How can I prepare for my IV sedation appointment?

  • Prior to your appointment do NOT have anything to eat for 6 hours, clear fluids are okay up until 2 hours prior to your appointment.
  • Do NOT drink alcohol or take recreational drugs during the 24 hour period prior to your appointment.
  • Do NOT smoke or for 48 hours prior to your appointment AND 48 hours post-procedure.
  • Wear comfortable loose-fitting attire. Short sleeved shirts are preferred. Refrain from wearing makeup.
  • If you have an eye prescription, please wear glasses to your appointment. NO contact lenses.
  • Under NO circumstances should you operate any motor vehicles for 24 hours following sedation.
  • You must arrange for transportation to and from the clinic with another responsible adult who will be required to sign an escort release form for yourself (taxi or ubers are not acceptable).