IV Sedation

Many patients have reported it feeling like a warm, fuzzy sensation that spreads throughout their body shortly after the sedative is administered. Some also experience a sense of weightlessness or floating, as if they are drifting off to sleep. Despite the deep level of relaxation induced by the sedation, your child will remain conscious and able to respond to verbal cues from the dentist. After the procedure is complete, patients typically feel groggy and may experience temporary memory loss or confusion. However, these effects usually subside within a few hours, leaving patients feeling refreshed and free from pain or anxiety.

IV sedation is often recommended for child patients who suffer from dental anxiety, have a low pain threshold, or require extensive dental work that may take several hours to complete. It is also commonly used for procedures that are particularly invasive, such as wisdom teeth extraction, root canal therapy, or implant placement.

It can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes for the sedative to start working, depending on the dosage and your child’s individual response to the medication. The sedative is administered through an IV in the arm, and your child will typically feel drowsy and relaxed shortly after it is given.

Children with certain medical conditions, such as severe respiratory problems, may not be candidates for IV sedation. We’ll evaluate your child’s individual needs and determine if IV sedation is a suitable option for them when you visit us for your consultation.

Some child patients may experience nausea or vomiting after receiving IV sedation, particularly if they have a history of motion sickness or sensitivity to anesthesia. Others may experience a headache or dizziness, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.