WHY CHOOSE INTRAVENOUS SEDATION?
People choose Intravenous Sedation (IV) for a few reasons. Sometimes, a person’s anxiety about an upcoming dental procedure is fairly high (think of it being a 9 or 10, on a 1-10 subjective scale of anxiety). At this level of tension, Dr.Yaremko’s experience is that only intravenous sedation or general anesthesia (being put fully to sleep) will keep people comfortable during their appointment.
IV Sedation usually works to help the following setbacks:
- to control a strong gag response
- for people that aren’t sure what their anxiety levels are
- for those who are more likely to have panic attacks at the dentist
IV Sedation is often more helpful to people in these circumstances because stronger doses of medications can be given. This can be done in a way so that both the sedation can be timed to wear off by the time the appointment is done.
WHAT IS IV SEDATION?
In our office, Intravenous Sedation consists of Dr. Yaremko starting an IV line. He then ads medication into the IV line which will perform a few functions:
- Medications such as Midazolam are added to help reduce anxiety and also help make the procedure seem shorter and reduce the memory of the procedure.
- Sometimes, narcotic meds are used to help provide pain and discomfort control. These meds interact with the Midazolam to increase relaxation.
- Anti-nauseants are used, such as Dexamethasone, Ondansetron, and Benadryl so that meds such as narcotics don’t make people queasy.
- Anti inflammatory medications, such as Toradol are often given and used for post-op discomfort management.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Patients are monitored during the procedure using EKG, Electronic blood pressure, pulse oximetry, heart rate and Exhaled carbon dioxide.
Dr. Yaremko also listens for breathing throughout the procedure with a Bluetooth stethoscope.
Once the appointment is complete, patients are discharged to a responsible adult who escorts them home, and are not allowed to operate heavy machinery (including driving cars) on the day of sedation.
We welcome new patients that have a hard time going to the dentist and feel that sedation will help them get through the dental procedures so that they can have a healthy mouth.
We undertake projects, both big and small to accomplish this, and we have decades of experience to offer you! Please call 360-734-6620 or email [email protected] for more information and/or scheduling. You may also complete our Contact Us form on this page.
