Intravenous Sedation (“Twilight Sedation”)

IV sedation, also known as twilight sedation, is a light form of sedation administered via an intravenous line, usually in the arm. IV sedation relieves anxiety in patients and those who may struggle with remaining calm or still during dental procedures. It is often used for invasive dental procedures, allowing patients to drift in and out of a light sleep.

Our office offers our patients the option of Intravenous (IV) Sedation, also referred to as Dental Intravenous Anesthesia, or “Twilight Sedation,” for their dental treatments. If you suffer from dental anxiety or are uncomfortable about your procedure, please ask us about IV sedation at your consultation.

Intravenous Sedation or “twilight sleep” helps you remain comfortable and calm when undergoing dental procedures. Your treatment can be completed for you under intravenous sedation, if you desire. Intravenous sedation or “IV sedation” (twilight sedation) is designed to better enable you to undergo your dental procedures while you are relaxed. It allows you to tolerate, as well as not remember, those procedures that may be very uncomfortable for you. IV sedation will essentially help alleviate the anxiety associated with your treatment. You may not always be asleep, but you will be comfortable, calm, and relaxed, drifting in and out of sleep.

If you choose the option of intravenous sedation, your IV sedation/anesthesia is administered and monitored by Drs. Azad or Vuong, 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. While some patients may be asleep following IV sedation, 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.

Who Can Benefit from IV Sedation?

Sedation dentistry is a great option for the elderly, those with disabilities, or the fearful. These individuals may have specific challenges that make it more difficult or uncomfortable for them to receive dental care. IV sedation can help in many of these situations. Among those who may benefit from IV sedation are:

The Elderly: For elderly patients embarrassed or fearful of their current oral state, sedation dentistry provides the opportunity for Dr. Your Last Name(s) to treat these conditions while the patient remains relaxed and unaware until “awaking” to an improved oral state.

The Disabled: Patients with disabilities may face additional challenges in maintaining their oral health. Their disability may make it difficult to brush or floss regularly; they may also suffer a severe gag reflex or dry mouth as a result of medication. Drs. Azad and Vuong meet these challenges with sedation dentistry for individuals with disabilities.

The Fearful: Dental phobia is a real, often overwhelming reality for thousands of people. At Your Practice Name, we are committed to understanding the very real nature of your fears. IV sedation will allow you to experience dentistry in a whole new way. While engaging in a pleasant sleep-like experience, Drs. Azad or Vuong will be hard at work making sure you “wake up” with the results you desire.