To ease patients discomfort and better manage anxiety and pain, Dr. Leonhart uses Intravenous (I.V.) Sedation.
The medications used for I.V. Sedation and Oral Sedation in dentistry are from a group of drugs known as Benzodiazapines. Not only do these medications have a sedative effect, they also have some degree of amnesic effect for most people. Patients remember little or nothing about their dental appointment. With I.V. Sedation, we may use an additional class of drugs known as Narcotics for pain control, which also may have a sedative effect. Narcotics are not typically used with Oral Sedation.
Advantages of Intravenous (I.V.) Sedation:
- We have the ability to change the level of sedation during a procedure
- Medication for an analgesic effect (pain relief) may be utilized
- Anti-inflammatory medication (corticosteroid) may be administered for various procedures
- Easy to administer
- It is safe and easy to monitor
- Works well for most people
- Low Cost
When I.V. Sedation is used, someone must drive you to and from your dental appointment.
What medications are used for Dental I.V. Sedation?
The most common medications are Versed (Midazolam) and Fentanyl. Versed provides a deep level of relaxation and an amnesic effect, while Fentanyl offers pain relief and may have a sedative effect as well.