Is IV Sedation During Dental Procedures Safe?

A fear of going to the dentist affects an estimated 10-30% of the population. And, unfortunately, dental phobia can keep many people from their dentist altogether. If this is the case for you, you may want to consider IV sedation.

Even so, you might be worried about the safety of this procedure. Don’t worry: IV sedation is perfectly safe and an extremely beneficial option for anxiety-free treatment.

At Ueno Center Dental Specialists, we offer individualized care that focuses on suiting each of our patients’ needs. Jeremy K. Ueno, DMD, our founder, and the rest of our providers swear by the safe and effective option of IV sedation for dental-phobic patients.

Why IV sedation 

Dental sedation, which is a staple of our office, has been used in dentistry since the 1800s, and we have many patients who swear by it. We use IV sedation specifically because of its many benefits and low risk of side effects.

IV sedation is an incredibly beneficial option for those who otherwise might skip a visit to avoid their fear of the dentist’s chair. In consultation with your provider, you can choose mild, moderate, or deep sedation, depending on the treatment required and the severity of your anxiety. 

Sedation medicine through an IV goes to work very quickly, so you don’t need to spend much time being worried. It also allows us to perform multiple procedures, if need be, while you are able to stay calm and comfortable.

The safety factors of IV sedation

IV sedation is more intensive than local anesthesia but less so than general. This means it does have some potential side effects, but it doesn’t carry with it the concerns that general anesthesia (which requires you to be fully under) does.

According to a 2016 study, IV sedation is the most widely used dental sedation technique, but it still must be administered by board-certified professionals who understand how it works. Your breathing and heart rate must be monitored the entire time to ensure your total safety.

If side effects do occur, the most common include nausea, headache, sweating, dizziness, and confusion. But most of our patients don’t experience any side effects and wake up with no memory of the procedure. 

IV sedation is an integral part of dentistry, especially for patients who otherwise wouldn’t seek the treatment they need. And the long history of dental sedation, coupled with the low risk of side effects, makes this procedure very safe.

You might be a good candidate for IV sedation

We want to ensure that our patients feel safe as well as healthy. That’s why we implement the strictest safety measures and offer individualized treatment for your needs. If you are struggling with dental anxiety, IV sedation could be perfect for you. 

We’d be happy to answer any other questions you may have about the procedure. Just call to make an appointment at our office in Campbell, California. We’re here to help.