IV Sedation and General Anesthesia Procedure at Oral and Facial Surgery, Greenbelt MD
This procedure involves the use of an injected drug to the arm or back of the hand to provide very effective sedation for nervous patients. It has three powerful effects: it promotes a feeling of calm within the patient; it reduces the patient's awareness of the treatment; it has a powerful amnesia effect so that the patient usually remembers very little of the procedure. But, importantly, you will not lose consciousness or be 'sent to sleep' and verbal contact can be maintained.
During any procedure the dentist is accompanied by a trained nurse and the patients are monitored throughout. Normal anaesthetic is given in the mouth. Longer, more difficult treatments or implant treatments can be performed with sedation.
Patients are assessed beforehand and a consent form must be signed. Most patients are suitable, but those taking sedatives, opiate painkillers, or those with respiratory problems or allergies may not be.
The patients themselves should have a light meal beforehand and be accompanied by an adult to take them home after their treatment.