IV Conscious Sedation

As discussed in the oral sedation section, fear and anxiety are common when visiting the dentist.  Certain patients would prefer a greater level of sedation for certain more advanced or involved procedures (wisdom tooth extraction).  Dr Diehl is certified by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners to administer intraveneous (IV) sedation to provide a greater degree of sedation as compared to oral sedation.

Advantages to Patients

*  Treatment is completed when you are in a state of conscious sedation.

*  You will have less difficulty sitting through a lengthy procedure.

Patients often ask about the terminology “conscious sedation”.  The terminology is referenced against deeper forms of sedation, like general anesthesia and deep sedation.  The difference between conscious sedation and general sedation/deep sedation is that under conscious sedation, the protective reflexes of the airway are maintained by the patient.  Therefore they do not require being attached to a ventilator as in general sedation.  Additionally, all IV conscious sedation drugs that are used are reversible and should the need arise, reversal agents can be administered through the IV to immediately reverse the sedative effects of the drugs.  A great safety factor.

Dr. Diehl maintains certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS), as required for the administration of IVCS.

Drugs Commonly Used in IV Conscious Sedation Procedures

*  Ancef (antibiotic)

*  SoluCortef (steriodal antiinflammatory)

*  Ondansetron (antiemetic)

*  Midazolam (benzodiazepine)

*  Fentanyl (narcotic analgesic and sedative)