Risks of IV Sedation
While there are minor side effects such as nausea, and potential complications such as intra-arterial injection, intravenous (IV) sedation is a safe method for ensuring your comfort during dental procedures. Patient safety is always a priority for Dr. Clint Newman and our staff. As such, he will conduct a thorough evaluation of your health and medical history prior to recommending IV sedation and ensure you are monitored throughout your entire procedure at our Nashville, TN, practice. Patients can discuss any concerns about the risks of IV sedation with our team during their visit.
How Safe Is IV Sedation?
When performed by a trained professional, IV sedation is extremely safe. At our practice, we have a board-certified anesthesiologist on staff who can administer sedation and monitor your health throughout your entire procedure. There are, however, certain conditions which can make IV sedation unsafe, including:
- Pregnancy
- Allergy to benzodiazepines
- Alcohol intoxication
- Central nervous system (CNS) depression
- Some forms of glaucoma
In addition, there are other concerns which can limit your ability to receive IV sedation, but do not prevent you from receiving it. Impaired kidney, lung, or liver function, advanced age, and sleep apnea are all considered relative contraindications, or cautions, for IV sedation. Patients should discuss their entire medical history with Dr. Newman during their initial appointment so he can determine if IV sedation is appropriate.
Our team works cautiously to minimize the chance of side effects and complications during your procedure. Your safety and comfort are always our first priority.
Temporary Side Effects of IV Sedation
Many patients experience short-term side effects after undergoing IV sedation. The most common side effect is drowsiness, which usually lasts for a couple of hours after the procedure. For some patients, it may take 24 to 48 hours for the medication to fully leave their system, so it is important to get plenty of rest after undergoing sedation. Other temporary side effects of IV sedation can include:
- Dry mouth
- Nausea or vomiting
- Watery eyes
- Headaches
It is also common for patients to experience a certain amount of amnesia about their procedure. The sedatives administered can cause partial or full memory loss for the hours surrounding the procedure.
Possible Complications
As with all medical procedures, there is a risk of complications associated with IV sedation. The most serious risk is oversedation, which we manage by consistently monitoring our patients throughout their procedure. Our patients are never left alone while sedated. Other possible complications include:
- Infiltration of the medication into the surrounding soft tissue
- Leakage of blood into the surrounding tissue causing a hematoma
- Air entering the vein through the IV
- Extravascular injection
- Intra-arterial injection
- Respiratory depression
The risk of complication with IV sedation is very low, especially when performed by a board-certified anesthesiologist.
Prioritizing Patient Safety
Our team works cautiously to minimize the chance of side effects and complications during your procedure. Your safety and comfort are always our first priority. To help minimize risks, Dr. Newman will perform a thorough pre-treatment evaluation and discuss your full medical history. During this time, you should share all medications you are currently taking to ensure there are no possible drug interactions.
Receive the Services You Need
Properly caring for your oral health is crucial for the health of your entire body. Avoiding the dentist due to dental phobia can lead to a range of preventable issues. IV sedation can help anxious patients receive the dental treatment they need. To learn more about our safe and effective sedation services, send our office a message today.
