Is IV Sedation Safe at the Dentist?
How sedation dentistry keeps anxious patients comfortable and safe
IV sedation is safe when it is provided by a properly trained, certified dentist who monitors you closely throughout your visit. It keeps you deeply relaxed and comfortable while you stay responsive. At McElroy Smiles, Dr. Greg McElroy is among a small number of dentists certified in IV sedation.
What sedation options are there?
Sedation is matched to your comfort level. The options are:
- Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas: a light, fast-acting calm that wears off quickly.
- Oral sedation: a prescribed pill that eases anxiety before and during your visit.
- IV sedation: a deeper, carefully monitored relaxation for longer or more involved treatment.
What makes IV sedation safe?
Safety comes from training, screening, and monitoring. Dr. Greg McElroy is among a small number of dentists certified in IV sedation, we review your health history beforehand, and we monitor your vital signs throughout. You stay relaxed and responsive, and recovery is straightforward with someone to drive you home.
Who is sedation dentistry for?
Sedation helps patients who feel anxious, have a strong gag reflex, struggle to get numb, or need a lot of treatment in one visit. It is also a gentle option for those who have avoided the dentist out of fear. If a procedure ever calls for deeper sedation than this, it is handled by the practice’s anesthesia provider.
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Yes, when it is provided by a trained, certified dentist who screens your health history and monitors you throughout. Dr. Greg McElroy is among a small number of dentists certified in IV sedation, and you stay relaxed and responsive during care.
No. IV sedation keeps you deeply relaxed and comfortable, but you remain responsive and breathing on your own. It is not general anesthesia. If a case ever calls for deeper sedation, it is handled by the practice's anesthesia provider.
We review your health history and medications in advance and give you simple instructions, such as arranging a ride home for IV sedation. On the day, you simply relax while we take care of the rest.
