Oral Sedation Vs IV Sedation

Please click here to schedule a sedation dentistry consultation in which we can talk about which type of sedation would be best for you.

Patients ask us which form of sedation would be better: oral sedation or IV sedation. The answer is that it depends – on your level of dental fear and anxiety, on your personal medical, and dental history, on the procedure we’ll be performing, and other factors.

In a dental consultation, we’d be happy to talk to you about your sedation options, the costs of those options, and sedation dentistry side effects. Based on your needs and desires, we can make customized recommendations.

In general terms, though, here is a comparison of oral sedation and IV sedation.

Oral Sedation For Dentistry
Oral sedation, also known as “conscious sedation” is enough for most people. With oral sedation, you take a pill prior to your dental appointment. During the treatment, you are not completely knocked out – you’re aware of your surroundings and can answer questions. But time passes quickly. Sights, sounds, and smells are usually blocked out. And when the appointment is over, you will have little or no recollection of it.

Because oral sedation is a milder form than IV sedation, it carries less risks and usually has few or no side effects.

IV Sedation For Dentistry
IV sedation, which is also known as “general anesthesia” is the deepest form of sedation. Once you receive IV sedation, you’ll be unconscious. The sedation is administered through an IV that ‘s connected to your arm. Throughout the procedure, you’ll be wearing a heart monitor, and your blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen levels are constantly monitored.

IV sedation is often the best (or perhaps only choice) if your dental phobia is intense, if the procedure is complex (such as wisdom teeth extraction), and/or if you have a physical disability that makes it hard to undergo treatment.

After awakening from IV sedation, some patients experience nausea and/or grogginess. With both oral sedation and IV sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you home after your dental appointment.

It’s important to note that we also offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas), which is the mildest form of sedation. For some people, nitrous oxide is enough to take the edge off their dental anxiety and add a level of comfort to their dental appointment. There’s a reason it’s called “laughing gas,” because it often makes people feel giddy.

For information about oral sedation versus IV sedation, or to schedule a consultation or dental appointment, call us:
Denver / Centennial – near I-25 and Dry Creek, in Centennial, please call (303) 309-0749

Sedation Dentist Near Me
Our sedation dental office is near you if you live or work in: Centennial, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, southeast Aurora, Parker, Denver Tech Center, Meridian, Inverness, or Park Meadows.