IV Sedation and Oral Conscious Sedation Treatment
Dental anxiety is extremely common — and it shouldn’t stand between you and the care you need. Whether you’re nervous about treatment, have a sensitive gag reflex, or are planning a longer procedure, IV sedation and oral conscious sedation provide a safe, controlled, and deeply relaxed experience.
At Connect Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we offer multiple sedation options tailored to your comfort level so you can feel calm, confident, and cared for throughout your visit.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you feel relaxed during dental treatment. You remain conscious and able to respond, but anxiety, discomfort, and awareness are significantly reduced.
Two primary options we offer:
Oral Conscious Sedation
A prescription pill taken before your appointment that creates a relaxed, calm, and drowsy feeling.
IV Sedation
Medication delivered through a small IV line that allows precise control over the level of sedation, providing a deeper and more customized experience.
Both approaches help ensure you remain comfortable throughout your procedure.
Signs You Might Need Sedation
Sedation may be recommended if you experience:
- Dental anxiety or fear
- Previous traumatic dental experiences
- Sensitive gag reflex
- Difficulty numbing with local anesthesia
- Multiple procedures planned in one visit
- Advanced periodontal or surgical treatments
- Need for extended appointments
- Desire for a more relaxed experience
If you’ve been avoiding dentistry due to worry or discomfort, sedation may be the ideal solution.
Benefits You Can Feel (and Appreciate)
Sedation dentistry provides significant advantages for both comfort and efficiency:
- Deep relaxation during treatment
- Less awareness of sounds, sensations, and time
- Ability to complete multiple procedures in one visit
- Reduced anxiety before and during appointments
- Increased comfort for longer or complex treatments
- Lowered gag reflex
- Enhanced healing due to reduced stress response
Your experience becomes easier, smoother, and more positive overall.
What to Expect During Sedation Treatment
Your safety and comfort are always our top priorities.
Oral Conscious Sedation
- You take a prescribed sedative before your visit.
- You’ll feel relaxed, drowsy, and deeply calm by the time treatment begins.
- You remain awake but feel significantly less anxious.
- You will need a driver to and from the appointment.
IV Sedation
- A small IV is placed, typically in the arm or hand.
- Medications are administered and adjusted in real time.
- You remain responsive but deeply relaxed.
- Vital signs are continuously monitored throughout the procedure.
- You may remember little or nothing of the appointment afterward.
- You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you temporarily.
Both options ensure a smooth, stress-free treatment experience.
Aftercare & Home Care
Following sedation, you can expect:
- Sleepiness or grogginess for several hours
- A need to avoid driving or operating machinery for 24 hours
- Instructions for eating and drinking post-procedure
- Guidance on medications if surgery was performed
- Optional use of cold compresses if swelling is expected
- A recommendation to rest and hydrate
We will provide detailed written instructions tailored to your treatment.
Maintenance Matters
Sedation may be used again at future visits depending on your needs.
Patients often benefit from:
- Pre-appointment discussions to choose the best sedation type
- Ongoing evaluation of anxiety levels and comfort
- Regular preventive visits using sedation when appropriate
- Clear communication about past experiences or concerns
With consistent care, many patients feel less nervous over time and require less sedation.
FAQs
Will I be asleep during sedation?
With IV and oral sedation, you remain conscious but deeply relaxed. You may not remember much afterward, but you will not be fully asleep.
Is sedation safe?
Yes. Sedation is administered and monitored by trained professionals using strict safety protocols.
Can I eat before my appointment?
Most patients must avoid eating for several hours before sedation. We will provide specific instructions for each patient on a case by case basis.
Is sedation only for surgery?
No. Sedation can be used for any dental visit if anxiety, sensitivity, or comfort is a concern.
How long does it take to wear off?
Effects typically last several hours, and you’ll need someone to drive you home.
Call to Action
If anxiety has been keeping you from getting the care you need, we’re here to help.
Contact Connect Periodontics and Implant Dentistry to learn more about IV sedation and oral conscious sedation options.