Intravenous sedation delivers sedative medication directly into a vein, producing a deeply relaxed state in which most patients remember little or nothing of the procedure. General anaesthesia goes further, rendering you fully unconscious. Both are used when treatment cannot reasonably be completed with local anaesthetic alone.
When it is appropriate
Typical indications include severe dental anxiety or phobia that has prevented treatment for years, extensive surgery such as multiple extractions or full-arch implant placement, a gag reflex too strong to allow treatment, certain special needs or medical conditions where cooperation is not possible, and very young children requiring significant treatment.
The advantage is that a large amount of work can be completed in one session rather than spread over many appointments.
Safety and who administers it
Deep sedation and general anaesthesia are administered by a qualified anaesthesia provider — a dental anaesthesiologist, physician anaesthetist, or dentist with the appropriate advanced training and facility certification. Throughout the procedure your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and blood oxygen are continuously monitored, and emergency equipment and trained staff are present.
A full medical assessment beforehand covers your medical history, medications, allergies and previous anaesthetic experiences. Your dentist at Parkway Dental will arrange this and may liaise with your physician.
Preparing
You will be given fasting instructions — typically no food for six to eight hours and no clear fluids for two hours beforehand. These exist to prevent stomach contents entering the lungs and are not negotiable; treatment will be cancelled if they are not followed.
Arrange a responsible adult to accompany you home and stay with you for the rest of the day. Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that roll up, and follow guidance on which regular medications to take.
Recovery
You will be monitored until you are alert enough to leave. Expect grogginess, and possibly nausea or shakiness, for several hours. Memory of the appointment and of the hours afterwards is often hazy — this is expected.
For a full 24 hours do not drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol, or make important decisions or sign documents.