If you and your doctor have already decided that IV sedation is the right choice for you, and you’re wondering, well, what are my pre-op instructions? You’ll want to make sure you consult with your doctor and follow whatever instructions they might give you. Here at Dental Implant and Aesthetic Specialists, some of the things that need to be taken into consideration by the patient and things that we kind of instruct them to do before IV sedation are:
Pre-Operative Instructions
Fasting Instructions
The patient usually can’t have anything to eat or drink after midnight. Depending on the patient’s medications, they will talk to us, and we will decide whether they should take those medications in the morning with a small sip of water.
Transportation Arrangements
Another consideration is that these patients need a driver to bring them to their appointments. After IV sedation, you are not able to drive home. You need a responsible adult to drive you home and monitor you throughout the day.
During the Procedure
Consciousness and Reflexes
Even though when having IV sedation, you’re conscious during the procedure, your reflexes could be a little bit delayed. For reasons like this, we don’t want you driving home.
IV Administration
During the actual procedure, we connect an IV, usually through your arm. This is used to administer our drugs and help you reach a level of reduced anxiety and relaxation. Throughout the entire procedure, you’re also being monitored. We want to emphasize that our patients are monitored throughout. We’re making sure that our patients are okay and that it is a safe environment for them to get their procedures done.
Post-Procedure Protocols
Once we’re done with the procedure, we’ll go ahead and remove your IV, and you’ll get a little bandaid in the area where the IV was previously. After that, we follow proper protocols and safety measures, like using a wheelchair to take you to your car and making sure that you aren’t driving home. These steps minimize the risk of any type of complication during IV sedation procedures.
Post-Operative Care
Usually, for patients who undergo procedures with IV sedation, we want patients to go home and rest afterward. Take it easy for at least 24 hours.
Conclusion
If you know you’re nervous about a dental procedure or you’re really interested in IV sedation, reach out to us at Dental Implant and Aesthetic Specialists. We’re happy to help you. I’m Dr. Rachel Miro, and I’m here to help you watch your mouth.