Experience Deep Relaxation with IV Sedation Dentistry

IV Sedation Dentistry is a form of conscious sedation where a sedative is administered intravenously (through a vein) to help patients feel deeply relaxed and comfortable during dental procedures. Unlike general anesthesia, IV sedation allows you to remain responsive but unaware of the procedure, with little to no memory of it afterward.

The sedative is delivered through an IV line, which allows our certified sedation dentists to carefully control and adjust the level of sedation throughout the procedure. Patients often feel drowsy and detached from their surroundings, helping them remain calm and comfortable during treatment.

IV Sedation is recommended for patients who:
✅ Experience severe dental anxiety or phobia
✅ Require multiple or complex procedures in one visit
✅ Have a strong gag reflex that makes dental work uncomfortable
✅ Have difficulty sitting still for extended periods
✅ Have had previous traumatic dental experiences
✅ Prefer to have little to no memory of the procedure

Yes, IV sedation is extremely safe when administered by a licensed and trained sedation dentist. During the procedure, your vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels) are continuously monitored to ensure your safety. IV sedation is used widely in dental and medical settings and has a strong track record of success.

No, IV sedation is not the same as general anesthesia. You will remain conscious and able to respond to verbal cues, but you will feel deeply relaxed and detached from the procedure. Many patients experience amnesia-like effects, meaning they have little to no memory of the dental treatment.

The effects of IV sedation can last several hours, depending on the dosage and duration of the procedure. Most patients feel groggy and drowsy afterward, so you will need a responsible adult to drive you home and assist you for the rest of the day.

No, you must follow fasting guidelines before your IV sedation appointment. Generally, patients are advised to:
✔ Avoid food and drinks for at least 6-8 hours before the procedure
✔ Avoid alcohol and caffeine 24 hours before treatment
✔ Take prescribed medications with a small sip of water, if allowed by the dentist

Your sedation dentist will provide specific pre-procedure instructions tailored to your needs.

After IV sedation, you may feel:
? Groggy or drowsy for several hours
? Mild dizziness or nausea (which usually resolves quickly)
? Temporary memory loss of the procedure
? Slightly impaired coordination and judgment

For this reason, you should:
✅ Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home
✅ Avoid operating heavy machinery or making important decisions for 24 hours
✅ Rest and hydrate after your procedure

Most patients feel normal within 24 hours, though residual drowsiness may last until the next day. Your body will naturally eliminate the sedative over time, and drinking plenty of water can help speed up recovery.

It is recommended that you take the rest of the day off after IV sedation. You should avoid strenuous activities and allow your body time to fully recover before returning to work or school the next day.

IV sedation is commonly used for:
? Wisdom tooth extractions
? Dental implants
? Root canals
? Full-mouth restorations
? Gum surgeries
? Multiple fillings, crowns, or bridges

It is ideal for patients who want to complete multiple treatments in one visit without stress or discomfort.

Some dental insurance plans cover a portion or all of IV sedation costs, especially for medically necessary procedures like extractions or oral surgery. Our team at Dr. Tom Lee Sedation Dental will verify your coverage and provide cost estimates before treatment.

If you’re looking for a sedation-certified dentist in Burnaby, Coast Meridian, Langley, or New Westminster, our team is here to help!

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