Moderate IV Sedation

Dental anxiety is common among our patients. Though most people find root canal treatment to be much easier than expected, it still tends to be one of the most feared dental procedures. At Cedar Rapids Endodontics, we understand and respect patient fears and concerns. Therefore, for our patients we offer IV moderate sedation.

Reasons for IV sedation

Sedation is used to help you relax and feel more comfortable during your endodontic therapy. It can be used during root canal treatment for patients who experience fear or anxiety. It is also commonly used during root canal surgery procedures. It can also be used for longer procedures, patients with lower pain thresholds, and patients with a severe gag reflex.

What is IV sedation?

During IV sedation a sedative medication is delivered directly into your bloodstream through a needle. The needle is inserted either into the back of your hand or your arm. IV sedatives take effect almost immediately, and you feel almost instantly relaxed and comfortable. Moderate IV sedation makes you feel drowsy, although you are still conscious. The vast majority of patients report amnesia, where they do not remember some parts or any of the procedure.

Is it safe?

Moderate IV sedation is considered to be both very safe and very effective. A consultation appointment with your endodontist will be required to review your systemic health status to determine if IV sedation is appropriate. Throughout your treatment, your vitals are monitored closely by a trained professional. For your safety, you will be provided with pre-operative instructions that need to be followed. These instructions direct you to avoid eating or drinking anything, including water, at least 6 to 8 hours before your appointment. However, if you take certain medications, you should continue to take them as directed. In this case, a small amount of water is permitted to help you swallow your medication. Following these instructions is important for ensuring your safety during treatment. If they are not followed, you may need to be rescheduled. Following the procedure you will remain in the operatory for a set period, which allows us to monitor you for a while. Because the effects of IV sedation can linger for several hours, you will need to have someone to drive you home.

If the idea of undergoing a root canal treatment procedure makes you feel uneasy or nervous, IV sedation can help you to feel more relaxed and comfortable. For more information, and to find out if IV sedation is right for you, call Cedar Rapids Endodontics at (319) 365-1456 today.

PREOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

  • DO NOT EAT ANYTHING for 8 hours prior to your surgery.
  • DO NOT DRINK NONCLEAR LIQUIDS 6 hours prior to your surgery.
  • DO NOT DRINK CLEAR LIQUIDS 2 hours prior to your surgery.
  • Only take prescription medications you were advised to take during your consultation with a small sip of water, especially any medications that you take for high blood pressure or to regulate heart rate. If you are on blood thinners or are diabetic, you will be given special instructions by our office or by your medical doctor. If you were prescribed medications by your doctor, please closely follow the instructions for their use.
  • A responsible adult (18 years or older) must accompany the patient to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, and drive the patient home. The escort will receive verbal and written instructions on post-operative care.
  • Plan to rest for the remainder of the surgery day. The patient should not drive a vehicle or operate any machinery for 24 hours following the anesthesia experience.
  • Please wear loose-fitting clothing with short sleeves past the elbow and low-heeled shoes. (No flip-flops.)
  • Contact lenses, jewelry, piercings, and dentures must be removed at the time of surgery.
  • Do not wear lipstick, excessive makeup, or nail polish on the day of surgery.
  • If you have an illness such as a cold, sore throat, cough, or stomach or bowel upset, please let us know so we can reschedule your appointment.
  • The use of alcohol or recreational drugs can have an adverse effect on the anesthesia medications that we use. Please discontinue the use of such for at least 72 hours prior to your procedure.

Women, please note: Antibiotics interfere with birth control medications. Please also use alternative barrier forms or abstinent forms of birth control for at least 3 days prior to and after the procedures and for as long as you may be on antibiotics. If you are trying to get pregnant or have reason to believe you may be pregnant, we are required to have you take a pregnancy test prior to the procedures. Anesthetic medications have an adverse effect on the developing fetus, resulting in severe birth defects.

Important: All patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at the consultation and the surgical visit.