Intravenous (IV) Dental Sedation
IV sedation is often used for patients who feel anxious about visiting the dentist for dental procedures. For many people who avoid treatment due to anxiety, it is an important tool in oral health and dental care.
Your Patient Guide
IV Sedation
How IV Sedation Works?
IV sedation uses medication delivered intravenously (into the veins) to put patients into a calm and relaxed state before a dental procedure. Although it’s sometimes referred to as “sleep” dentistry, IV sedation is typically used as a conscious sedation technique. There are various levels of sedation used in IV sedation, most of which are considered moderate to deep because patients are largely unaware of their surroundings.
Intravenous sedation is administered directly through the blood. Your dentist or dental anesthesiologist will insert a thin needle into your arm or on the back of your hand. The needle is then connected to an intravenous tube, which delivers the sedative directly into the bloodstream.
In most cases, the sedative will make you very sleepy, sluggish, and unaware of what is going on around you, but not unconscious. This is why it’s sometimes referred to as “twilight” sedation.
Throughout the dental procedure, your anesthesiologist will monitor your vital signs continuously, including your heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. You’ll wake up fairly quickly after the IV is removed. Once the sedation wears off, you’re likely to remember very little of the procedure.
When is IV Sedation Used?
IV sedation is typically reserved for patients undergoing multiple dental procedures and have demonstrated a need for it or those with a very high level of anxiety. It may be administered when patients come in for tooth extractions, root canals, or other invasive procedures.
In most cases, sedation is not administered during shorter and less invasive procedures, such as dental exams and dental hygiene appointments. However, if significant teeth cleaning is required and a patient has anxiety, it may be an option.
Not all dental clinics offer IV sedation, so check with your local 123Dentist dental clinic to learn more about sedation options.
Did You Know?
If you are faced with tooth loss, crown and bridge treatment may be the right restorative option for you! Restore lost teeth, while supporting your natural teeth and promoting good dental health.

Other Types of Dental Sedation
There are various types of medicines available for use in sedation dentistry. For people who are afraid of needles, other types of sedation may be more effective than IV sedation. Two other forms of sedation include nitrous oxide sedation (which is given in gas form) and oral sedation (which is given as an oral pill).erve many functions in addition to being used to strengthen a tooth to accommodate the attachment of a fixed bridge. One of the most common types of crown supports the tooth when there is no longer sufficient tooth structure left to place a filling.
Crowns may also be used to protect the structure of a tooth that is fractured or broken.
IV Sedation Side Effects
There are some potential side effects associated with intravenous sedation. After the sedation begins to wear off, you may feel drowsy or nauseous. Other common side effects include slow reflexes, lowered blood pressure, and headaches. After your procedure, be sure to rest, drink plenty of water, and refrain from driving for 24 hours.
Talk to your dentist about potential side effects and how they can be managed. IV sedation may also be used alongside a local anesthetic, which can cause additional side effects.
What Our Patients Say?
We accept all major insurance plans.
We accept a number of insurance plans to help cover the cost depending on your individual needs.




