Intravenous sedation, or IV sedation, delivers anti-anxiety medication through the bloodstream. Dentists typically use local anesthesia with IV sedation to ensure patients are as comfortable as possible during their dental treatment. Dr. Shruti Chahal offers IV sedation in her Calgary, AB, dental office. IV sedation is a general dental treatment that helps patients relax during treatment.
What Are the Benefits of IV Sedation?
There are many advantages to IV sedation, even when compared to other types of dental sedation. IV sedation provides:
- Deep relaxation: Many patients have no memory of their treatment under IV sedation. Patients often fall asleep under this type of dental sedation because they are completely relaxed.
- Quick effects: Other dental sedation methods, like oral conscious sedation, can take hours to take effect. Once the IV is in place, patients will begin to feel relaxed in minutes.
- Controlled care: Anesthesiologists have complete control over the level of sedation patients receive during treatment. They can adjust sedation as needed if patients require more relaxation. Every patient will have a different level of IV sedation. Dentists also monitor patients’ heart rates, blood pressure, and oxygen levels under IV sedation.
Dental Treatment with IV Sedation in Calgary, AB
We provide IV dental sedation for patients during lengthy and/or complex dental procedures to ensure that they receive pain-free care. Before treatment, we will ensure that the patient’s medical history and oral health needs align with IV sedation.
Once we start an IV, it can take 15 or more minutes for patients to fall asleep. It can take the same amount of time to wake up from IV sedation. Drowsiness will subside hours after the procedure, so we recommend that patients have someone drive them to and from their appointment.
Under IV sedation, patients feel calm, sleepy, and relaxed. Patients who do not fall asleep under IV sedation may not remember their procedure because of their deep relaxation.
How BMI Impacts Dental Sedation
Body mass index (BMI) is a person’s weight in pounds divided by their height. The BMI for IV sedation needs to be less than 36; if the patient’s BMI is more than 36, then they may not be an ideal candidate for IV sedation. We can perform IV sedation in-office if BMI is 36 or less. However, the patient needs to go to the hospital if their BMI is over 36.
BMI can increase health risks during sedation if not overseen by a doctor. Soft tissues can collapse the airway during sedation, just as they can during sleep. Airway blockage leads to pauses in breathing when unconscious under dental sedation. If you are unsure if your BMI is over 36, you can use an online calculator to determine if you are at risk of complications.
Receive Relaxing Dental Care Today
Are you interested in sedation dentistry for yourself or a loved one? Call Dr. Shruti Chahal for comfortable dental sedation at (587) 410-0821. You can also schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Shruti Chahal online.