IV Sedation Dentistry in Gainesville, GA

Myths Surrounding IV Sedation Dentistry

Many commons myths surround IV sedation dentistry. At Patrick Toms DMD, we understand that our patients want to know the truth surrouding this common practice. So, we've set out to provide just that. Below are some common myths about IV sedation dentistry along with explanations to help keep your expectations clear and realistic.

I won’t be subjected to needles during the dental procedure.

While IV sedation creates a maximum comfort level by eliminating anxiety, the dentists at Patrick Toms DMD will likely still need to use needles to administer local anesthesia. However, because a patient is free from anxiety and in a deep station of relaxation, it is very likely that he/she will not remember any needles. This occurrence of amnesia is very common during IV sedation and allows us to use needles without our patients being aware of it.

I’ll be totally asleep.

Under IV sedation, our patients will be extremely comfortable and free of anxiety; however, they will not be asleep. Patients can still respond to and hear comments from our dentists and staff, and they continue to breathe on their own throughout the entire dental procedure.
The effects of IV sedation will be completely gone following my dental procedure.
While patients typically recover much faster from IV sedation than general anesthesia, the effects of IV sedation will continue after the dental procedure is over. For this reason, it is highly recommended that patients avoid certain behaviors for at least 24 hours after undergoing IV sedation.

These behaviors include:
•    Driving a car
•    Participating in strenuous activity such as exercise or heavy lifting
•    Operating heavy machinery
•    Drinking alcohol
•    Making important decisions such as those involving legal matters

IV sedation is the same as general anesthesia.

Unlike general anesthesia, patients can still respond to comments and requests by staff and can breathe on their own during IV sedation. Under general anesthesia, you are not breathing on your own. The person administering anesthesia uses an endotracheal tube (placed inside your windpipe) to control your breathing. Additionally, patients typically recover much more slowly from general anesthesia compared to IV sedation.

I won’t be monitored during IV sedation.

When administering IV sedation, dentists are required to monitor a patient’s vital signs including breathing, blood pressure and heart rate. Patients are attached to a device that provides instant information on each vital sign throughout the entire procedure. At Patrick Toms DMD, our dentists ensure that all vitals stay within normal ranges so that our patients are comfortable and free from pain and/or anxiety.

To learn more about IV sedation dentistry at Patrick Toms DMD please contact our Gainesville office today to set up your individual consultation.