IV (Intra-Venous) Sedation
What is IV Sedation?
I.V sedation is performed by a trained and board-certified anesthesiologist who comes to the dental office for services.
Why is IV Sedation Recommended?
This form of sedation is usually used for healthy children who need extensive dental care that would otherwise require multiple dental visits. It is very predictable since the anesthesiologist can keep a child asleep for as long as they need. Once the dental procedure is finished, the child will stay in the office for approximately 10-15 minutes after the sedation for monitoring until they wake up.
Who Is A Candidate For IV Sedation?
Any healthy child who is afraid of the dentist or too young to withstand necessary treatment is a good candidate for IV sedation. The deciding factors of whether IV Sedation is chosen are: age, behavior, inability to cooperate, extent of treatment, and medical history. Children with serious underlying medical conditions are NOT good candidates for in-office IV Sedation and should be treated in a hospital setting instead.
What Happens During IV Sedation?
As soon as the patient is separated from the parents, they are brought into the room with music playing and an electronic device available for distraction. They will breathe nitrous oxide for a few seconds and an IV is placed on the hand or foot of the patient. Within 10-15 seconds of an I.V insertion, they fall into a “sleep-like” state and remain there for the entire procedure.
Additional Facts:
The main drawback of I.V. sedation is cost. Insurances will not cover it. The cost is approximately $1,000 per hour, but can be divided into 20-minute increments, so if treatment is shorter, it is more economical.
PROS – procedures are performed in the office by a trained anesthesiologist, can be used for any length treatment, very predictable outcome, patient WILL be asleep and will NOT remember anything.
CONS - expensive (insurances will not cover it).
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