Dental Anxiety? You’re Not Alone—And You Have Options
From busy schedules to past experiences, many people put off care because of anxiety. IV sedation dentistry can change that. By allowing you to relax deeply while staying safely monitored, IV sedation helps you complete more treatment in fewer visits—without the memories of time in the chair. At New Smiles in Sherwood, OR, your comfort and safety are our highest priorities.
What IV Sedation Is (And Isn’t)
IV sedation uses medications delivered through a small vein to create a calm, dreamlike state. You’re responsive to verbal cues and breathing on your own, but anxiety and awareness fade. This is not general anesthesia; it’s a controlled level of sedation tailored to your needs.
Who Benefits Most
- Patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety
- Those needing longer appointments (multiple crowns, dental implants, grafting)
- People with a strong gag reflex
- Patients who want to condense treatment into fewer visits
Safety Protocols You Can Count On
Your medical history and medications are reviewed, and vital signs are continuously monitored—oxygen saturation, heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. Our sedation-trained team follows established guidelines so you’re comfortable and safe from start to finish.
How It Feels From Your Perspective
Most patients describe drifting, relaxed, and unaware of time passing. Local anesthesia is still used so you remain numb and comfortable during and after the visit. You’ll need a trusted adult to drive you home, and you’ll rest the remainder of the day.
Preparing For Your Appointment
- Avoid food and drink for the specified time prior to your visit
- Wear comfortable clothing with short sleeves
- Take regular medications only as instructed
- Arrange transportation and plan a light schedule afterward
Recovery And The Day After
You may feel a bit groggy the day of treatment but should feel normal by the next morning. Because we can complete more dentistry in one session, recovery often happens in a single, predictable window—great for busy Sherwood families and professionals.
FAQs
Will I be “out”?
You’ll be deeply relaxed and may remember little, but you remain responsive and breathing independently.
Is it safe for seniors?
With proper medical review and monitoring, yes. We tailor medications and dosage to your health profile.
Can I do hygiene under IV sedation?
We generally reserve IV sedation for restorative or surgical care; however, we’ll personalize a comfort plan that may include oral sedation or nitrous for cleanings.
The Productivity Advantage
Longer, efficient appointments reduce the number of times you need to take off work or arrange childcare. Complex plans—crowns, extractions, implants, and grafting—can be sequenced smoothly, minimizing overall treatment time.
Take Control Of Your Dental Experience
If anxiety, a busy schedule, or a strong gag reflex has kept you from care, IV sedation could be the solution that finally makes dentistry comfortable.
Ready for stress-free care? Call New Smiles in Sherwood, OR at (503) 925-9595 to Schedule a Consultation and see if IV sedation is right for you.
