At Bethesda Sedation Dentistry, we always strive to provide the best care for our patients, especially if they are anxious about visiting the dentist. Intravenous (IV) sedation can help you relax through your procedure and have an anxiety-free experience. This type of sedation can help you rest comfortably while our dentists perform the dental care you need.

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Benefits of IV Sedation Dentistry

Injected directly into the bloodstream, IV sedation can help you reach a deeply calming state, often to the point that you sleep peacefully right through treatment. Like oral conscious sedation, you will have little to no recollection of your visit. Benefits of IV sedation include:

  • Fast-acting because it is injected directly into your bloodstream
  • Relieves your anxiety, fear, and gag reflexes
  • Sedation level can be altered according to your needs
  • Our dentists can accomplish more work due to your relaxed state
  • Diminishes your ability to notice the sights and sounds of your environment
  • You should have little to no memory of your appointment
  • Our patients routinely sleep right through their IV sedation visit with us

Real Patient Results

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IV Sedation Dentistry Process

The process often begins with an evaluation of your dental and medical history to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for IV sedation dentistry. If you are a candidate, our dental team will give you instructions about what to do on the day of your procedure.

Patients are required to fast for 6 hours prior and to have a companion to drive them home after their sedation procedures. You should not return to work or operate any motor vehicles for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Please remember not to eat or drink for six hours before your procedure, unless you are instructed otherwise.

We will carefully monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing during the procedure. Your level of sedation can also be adjusted depending on your needs. Once treatment is complete, we will provide you with a space to rest comfortably before leaving the office. We recommend you have someone you trust to take you home after your appointment and stay with you until the sedation has completely worn off. The next day you should be able to resume your usual activities without any problems.

Contact Bethesda Sedation Dentistry

We offer a variety of sedation dentistry techniques at our Bethesda practice. If you are interested in learning more about IV sedation, or if you would like to talk to one of our dentists to see if you would be a good candidate, contact us today.