Do you hate going to the dentist? Do you have dental phobia?

Going to the dentist can make some people feel very nervous. For big procedures, or for people with a lot of fear, dentists have special ways to help patients feel calm. One of these ways is called IV sedation. It’s like taking a cozy half-doze in the dentist’s chair.

I’ve heard of IV sedation but not exactly sure what it all means? Will I be asleep?

IV stands for "intravenous," which means the medicine goes gently into a vein in your arm, usually through a tiny tube. It’s not the same as being put fully to sleep for surgery, which is called general anesthesia. With IV sedation, you are in a state of deep relaxation. You are still awake enough to hear the dentist and follow simple instructions, but you won’t feel anxious or remember much about the procedure afterwards. Many people wake up feeling like only a few minutes have passed!

What dental treatment can I have IV sedation for?

Dentists might suggest IV sedation for a few reasons. It can be helpful for long treatments like getting several fillings at once or removing wisdom teeth. It is also a good option for patients with a strong gag reflex, special needs, or severe dental anxiety. It helps everything go smoothly and comfortably for both the patient and the dental team.

I haven’t had IV sedation before, can you tell me what to expect ?

Here is what happens. First, the dentist or a specially trained doctor will talk to you about your health. On the day of your appointment, they place the small IV. Once the medicine starts, you’ll feel drowsy and calm very quickly. The dental team will watch your heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure the entire time to make sure you are safe and comfortable. When the procedure is over, they stop the medicine. You’ll wake up feeling groggy, which is why you will need a trusted adult to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day. You cannot go back to school or activities that same day.

The best part is that IV sedation helps create a positive dental memory. Since you don’t remember the sights, sounds, or feelings of the procedure, it can make future dental visits much less scary.

In short, IV sedation is a safe and effective tool. It turns a potentially stressful dental experience into a quiet, forgotten nap, allowing you to get the healthy smile you need without the worry.

This sounds great, how do I book for IV sedation?

It is essential that you book for a detailed consultation first with one of our dentists who are certified to provide IV sedation during your dental treatment. They will thoroughly assess your suitability for IV sedation including asking you important questions about your health. It is important that you provide an up-to-date medication list and be able to answer specific questions about your general health or medical status. Depending on what dental treatment you are wishing to have done under IV sedation you may need to book for a dental examination or have specific x-rays or records taken in order for the dental treatment to be coordinated and then the appropriate appointment (s) to be booked for the appropriate length of time. You will then also receive written information about before and after-care. Talk to one of our friendly receptionists who will guide you on your bookings.

IV sedation is provided for surgery and other dental procedures by Drs Adrian Tan, Jocelyn Lee and Tristan Ma.