Understanding IV Sedation
Intravenous sedation delivers medication directly into your bloodstream through a small needle placed in your arm or hand. The effects begin almost immediately, and your dentist can adjust the sedation level throughout your procedure to keep you comfortable. You’ll feel drowsy and deeply relaxed, but unlike general anaesthesia, you can still respond to questions and follow simple instructions.
Most patients describe the experience as dreamlike. You’re aware that something is happening, but you don’t feel anxious or uncomfortable about it. Time seems to pass quickly—what might be a two-hour procedure feels like just minutes. Afterward, you typically won’t remember much about the appointment itself, which many people find reassuring for future visits.
Dr. Connor and Dr. Prouty monitor your vital signs continuously during IV sedation. Your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels are continuously monitored on equipment throughout the procedure, ensuring that your safety remains the top priority. This level of monitoring distinguishes IV sedation from lighter sedation options, allowing your dentist to respond immediately if any adjustments are needed.
Who Benefits from IV Sedation
People with severe dental anxiety or phobia find IV sedation life-changing. If the thought of dental work triggers panic attacks, makes you physically ill, or has kept you from seeking care for years, IV sedation removes that barrier. You can finally address dental problems without enduring the psychological distress that’s prevented treatment in the past.
Those needing extensive dental work also benefit tremendously. Rather than scheduling multiple appointments over several months for procedures such as full-mouth reconstruction, multiple extractions, or several crowns, IV sedation enables Dr. Prouty or Dr. Connor to complete more work in a single visit. You undergo sedation once instead of repeatedly, and you recover from everything simultaneously rather than dealing with prolonged discomfort.
Some people have medical conditions or physical challenges that make sitting still for long periods difficult. Conditions like Parkinson’s disease, severe back problems, or a strong gag reflex can complicate dental treatment. IV sedation in Watertown helps these patients receive the care they need without struggling through appointments that would otherwise be nearly impossible to complete.
Previous traumatic dental experiences also warrant consideration of IV sedation. If you’ve had painful procedures in the past, were treated roughly, or developed PTSD related to dental care, starting fresh with sedation can help rebuild your relationship with dentistry.
What Happens During Your Appointment
Your IV sedation experience at any of the three Infinity Sedation Dentistry locations begins well before your procedure date. Dr. Connor or Dr. Prouty reviews your medical history, current medications, and overall health during a consultation. Certain conditions or medications might affect sedation, so providing complete information ensures your safety.
You’ll receive specific pre-appointment instructions, which typically include fasting for several hours before your procedure. This precaution reduces risks associated with sedation. You’ll also need to arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from your appointment, as you won’t be able to drive yourself after receiving IV sedation.
On appointment day, a small IV catheter is placed in your arm or hand. Most people barely feel this insertion. The sedation medication begins to take effect, and within minutes, you’ll feel relaxed and drowsy. Your dental team ensures you’re comfortable before starting any treatment, and they continue monitoring you closely throughout the entire procedure.
After your treatment is complete, you’ll rest in the office while the sedation wears off gradually. You might feel groggy or sleepy for several hours, which is completely normal. It is recommended that you have someone stay with you for the rest of the day and avoid making important decisions, operating machinery, or returning to work until the following day.
Safety Considerations and Monitoring
IV sedation carries risks like any medical procedure, but these risks remain minimal when administered by trained professionals like Dr. Prouty and Dr. Connor. Continuous monitoring throughout your procedure catches potential problems immediately. The dental team tracks your oxygen saturation, heart rhythm, blood pressure, and breathing pattern constantly.
Emergency equipment and reversal medications stay readily available, though complications are rare. Your dentist can quickly adjust sedation levels if needed, and the IV line provides immediate access for administering additional medications if necessary.
Certain people shouldn’t receive IV sedation without special precautions. Pregnancy, severe respiratory problems, or allergies to sedation medications might make other options more appropriate. Dr. Connor and Dr. Prouty discuss these factors during your consultation to determine whether IV sedation suits your situation.
Comparing Sedation Options
IV sedation offers deeper relaxation than oral sedation or nitrous oxide. While nitrous oxide provides mild relaxation and wears off within minutes, and oral sedation creates moderate drowsiness, IV sedation produces more profound effects that better serve patients with severe anxiety or those undergoing extensive procedures.
The adjustability of IV sedation also sets it apart. Your dentist can increase or decrease medication levels throughout treatment, something impossible with oral sedation once you’ve swallowed the pill. This flexibility ensures optimal comfort, regardless of the duration or progression of your procedure.
Recovery from IV sedation takes longer than nitrous oxide but provides amnesia that many patients value. Not remembering your procedure can significantly reduce anxiety about future dental visits, especially if you’ve struggled with dental fear for years.
IV Sedation in Watertown
Years of avoiding the dentist due to fear or anxiety don’t have to continue. Schedule a consultation at Infinity Sedation Dentistry in Watertown, Dakota Dunes, or Sioux Falls to discuss IV sedation with Dr. Brian Prouty or Dr. Kevin Connor. They’ll evaluate your dental needs, explain exactly how IV sedation works, and answer every question you have about the process. Many patients report wishing they’d discovered IV sedation years earlier—don’t let another year pass dealing with dental problems or living with anxiety about treatment you know you need. One comfortable appointment could change your entire relationship with dental care.