IV Sedation Dentistry - Twilight Sleep | Pre-Op & Post-Op Instructions
What is IV sedation?
IV sedation is also known as 'twilight sleep.' In this procedure, Dr. Adatrow would be sedating you by administering a drug into your body through one of your veins, using an IV. Dr. Adatrow controls the amount of drug delivered into your body and, with his dental team, continuously monitors you during the entire procedure.
What is the experience of IV sedation be compared to?
The experience of undergoing IV sedation could be comparable to the consumption of ten to fifteen beers at a time.
10 – 15 beers = IV Sedation
10 – 15 beers = IV Sedation
How does IV sedation feel?
To understand IV sedation, remember outpatient procedures like LASIK surgeries. The patient would not be aware during the process, and they might not remember the procedure done. The patient would gradually regain awareness after the procedure, so it might take a few hours to recover.
What are the instructions to be followed before IV sedation (Pre-operative)?
Your surgery will be performed for your comfort, utilizing a combination of local anesthetics and intravenously administered conscious sedation. Please follow the instructions below for your safety:
What are the instructions to be followed after IV sedation (Post-operative)?
Your surgery will be performed for your comfort, utilizing a combination of local anesthetics and intravenously administered conscious sedation. For your safety, please follow the instructions below:
- The after-effects of sedation are often predictable but may vary slightly between individuals. Following treatment and after your clinic's discharge, it is likely that you will not remember the actual dental procedure and often your trip home. It is normal to feel a little disoriented and tired after sedation. It usually takes 12 to 24 hours to feel completely normal about your 'hangover*.
- Restrict your activities on the day of surgery. Return home immediately following discharge from the office. Rest. Lie down with your head elevated as much as possible that first day.
- Because you have not had anything to eat or drink for 8 hours before surgery, you are calorie depleted and dehydrated. Drink 'sugary' liquids (juice, milkshakes) when you return home. This will help you regain your energy more quickly and treat your dehydration. You should consume at least 5 to 6 glasses of liquid daily for the first few days. Also, eat bland, soft foods (soup, pasta, rice) if possible. Heavy foods and fatty foods on an empty stomach sometimes cause nausea and vomiting and should be avoided if possible. Try to resume a regular diet as soon as possible.
- Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, and any illicit drugs for at least 24 hours after your sedation. These medicaments can interact with medications remaining in your body following the sedation, which can cause a severe reaction and harmful result.
- You should not drive a vehicle, operate dangerous equipment make any crucial decisions, or sign any legal documents for at least 24 hours after receiving intravenous sedation.
- If your IV site becomes red, swollen, and warm to the touch, you should call us as soon as possible.
What are the instructions to be followed before IV sedation (Pre-operative)?
Your surgery will be performed for your comfort, utilizing a combination of local anesthetics and intravenously administered conscious sedation. Please follow the instructions below for your safety:
- Take your usual prescribed medications and those that have been prescribed for you in preparation for your periodontal surgery. Do not take aspirin or other aspirin-containing medicines for one week before your surgical date.
- Advise us of any medications you are taking, even supplements or over the counter drugs. Please do not take any medicines without your surgeon's knowledge and approval.
- Please do not have anything to eat for at least 8 hours before your appointment. It is O.K to have small amounts of clear liquids (water, lemon-lime soda) up to 2 hours before, but refrain from drinks with sugar or cream.
- Do not drink any alcoholic beverages on the day of your appointment or for twenty-four hours after your sedation.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing with sleeves that can quickly be drawn above your elbow. You may find it more comfortable to wear flat shoes as, after your sedation, you may be a little unsteady on your feet.
- To monitor you properly during your sedation, it is best not to wear any nail polish, lipstick, or make-up the morning of surgery. If you wear acrylic nails, please remove them from at least two fingers on your right hand.
- For all surgical procedures, please brush your teeth just before coming for your appointment to reduce bacteria and prevent infection.
- Please arrive promptly for your appointment so that our staff has time to go through our pre-operative
- questionnaire and prepare you for your surgery. Late arrival may necessitate rescheduling of your procedure.
- You MUST be accompanied home by an adult who will drive and arrange for responsible supervision for the remainder of the day. We are sorry, but we cannot allow you to take public transportation, taxi, or drive yourself home.
- Please notify your surgeon if you develop a cold, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, fever, or any other illness during the days before your surgical appointment. If rescheduling your appointment becomes necessary, we would like to have as much advance notice as possible.
What are the disadvantages of IV sedation?
IV sedation has the following side-effects or disadvantages. However, these are rare.
- Longer recovery time
- Need constant monitoring to avoid complications like oversedation and respiratory distress
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness that can last for a couple of days
- Nausea and vomiting
Is IV sedation safe?
Yes, IV sedation is safe if all the necessary measures are taken appropriately. It is of utmost importance that you select a dentist with the right sedation dentistry expertise to have optimum results. Dr. Adatrow has trained intensively in Indiana University hospital in administering sedation dentistry to patients and has more than 17 years of experience in doing the same. Hence, you can trust him in the process and enjoy your dental experience with us.
