IV Sedation
Hillsboro, OR
 Intravenous (IV) sedation, or monitored anesthesia care (MAC), is usually given to patients to help them relax and stop them from feeling pain during a minor surgical procedure. It is administered through a vein using a small tube. There are many kinds of IV sedation that have different purposes. They are selected by the surgeon depending on the nature of the surgical procedure.
At Beaverton Oral Surgeons, we provide many dental services including dental restorations, tooth extractions, periodontal disease treatments, and more. We have dedicated staff that undertake IV sedation to ensure every patient has a smooth and comfortable dental experience. To learn more about which dental procedures might need IV sedation and which ones will not, book an appointment with us today.
Types of Anesthesia
Anesthesia comes in several types and are carefully picked by a surgeon depending upon the nature of sedation required for the procedure. Local anesthesia is typically used to numb a small area for minor surgical procedures. They can be used for removing a mole, tooth extraction, or to take a biopsy.
Regional anesthesia is used when you need to numb a larger area of the body. It can be administered through either an injection or catheter. Whereas neuraxial anesthesia (a form of regional anesthesia) is administered between the vertebrates. It is mainly used during childbirth but sometimes surgeons may choose to use them during knee and hip surgeries.
IV sedation is used during many surgical procedures, including plastic surgeries, colonoscopy, and hernia repairs. Patients may be able to communicate if a low dose is administered, or be in a deep sleep with high doses, depending on the surgery. Last but not least, general anesthesia is administered intravenously or through a gas mask. In addition to putting a patient to sleep, they can also induce temporary paralysis. They are mainly used during major surgeries, such as open-heart surgery.
Benefits of IV Sedation
IV sedation can be administered in precise amounts. This typically results in a higher level of safety as surgeons have more control over the surgery. IV sedation is unlikely to cause nausea, vomiting, and pulmonary complications. The reversal process is also much faster, meaning patients can come out of anesthesia fairly quickly. Since IV sedation is monitored, there is less risk of blood clots and pulmonary emboli (when blood clots find their way to the lungs).
Risks Associated with IV Sedation
Although quite rare, high doses of sedation can suppress the muscles in the respiratory system and slow down breathing. In such cases, surgeons need to maintain necessary levels of both respiratory and oxygen saturation. If the sedation was too deep, there may be a need for endotracheal intubation.
Dental anxiety can affect anyone. It is one of the major contributing factors for people who struggle to keep up with their dental appointments. Many people are uncomfortable with intrusive dental procedures and as a result, they tend to ignore signs of oral health complications.
Sedatives allow patients to relax and feel more comfortable in anxiety inducing situations. This is one of the reasons many dental procedures lean on sedatives. At Beaverton Oral Surgeons, we strive to provide a comfortable and smooth dental experience to all of our patients. To learn more about IV sedation and other types of anesthesia, contact us at (503) 646-7101.
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