IV Sedation

For patients with significant dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or treatment needs that are longer or more complex, IV sedation offers a deeper level of comfort than nitrous oxide alone. It is also a practical option for people who have not visited a dentist in years — whether that is five years or twenty — and feel they need more support to get started again.

NO JUDGEMENT

If it has been a long time since your last visit, please do not let that stop you. We see this regularly and there is no judgement here — only a straightforward, friendly conversation about where things are at and what you need.

What it involves

A small cannula is placed in a vein in your arm or hand, through which a sedative is administered. The primary medication we use is midazolam, a well-established sedative that produces deep relaxation and, in most cases, little to no memory of the procedure. For certain cases, a small amount of fentanyl may be added for additional comfort.

You remain conscious throughout — able to respond to questions and follow simple instructions — but most patients describe the experience as dreamlike. The time passes quickly and comfortably.

Your vital signs are monitored throughout by a trained dental nurse, and the sedation is titrated carefully to your response. We are not working to a fixed dose.

When we use it

IV sedation is well suited to:

Patients with significant dental anxiety or a history of difficult dental experiences
Wisdom tooth extractions
Longer or more complex treatment sessions
Patients with a strong gag reflex
Anyone returning to dentistry after a long gap who wants extra support
Larger restorative cases — including same-day crown work (CEREC), where sedation allows more to be completed in a single visit

Before your appointment

At your consultation we will go through your medical history in detail, including any medications you take and any previous difficulty with IV access or vein cannulation. Please let us know if you have had problems with blood draws or drips in the past — this helps us plan appropriately.

You will need to fast for a minimum of six hours before your appointment (no food or milk; clear fluids up to two hours prior are generally fine). Full fasting instructions will be confirmed at your consultation.

How it compares to nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is lighter, requires no IV, and wears off within minutes — making it well suited to shorter procedures. IV sedation provides a significantly deeper level of relaxation and is the better choice when there is more treatment to complete, when anxiety is severe, or when nitrous oxide has not been effective for you in the past.

IMPORTANT

You must have a responsible adult available to drive you home and stay with you for the remainder of the day. You cannot drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for at least 24 hours after IV sedation.