Unlike general anaesthetic, IV sedation does not require a hospital stay, making it a more accessible and convenient option for patients who experience dental anxiety or require longer procedures. Because patients remain in a deeply relaxed but conscious state, they can still respond to simple instructions if needed. The recovery time is also much shorter, allowing them to leave the clinic sooner and return to normal activities more quickly. This makes IV sedation a practical choice for those who want a stress-free dental experience without the risks and downtime associated with general anaesthetic. A key difference between general anaesthetic and IV sedation is the level of monitoring and aftercare required. With general anaesthetic, the patient is completely unconscious and unable to breathe independently, requiring constant monitoring by an anaesthetist and specialised equipment. This makes GA suitable for complex medical procedures but not always necessary for dental treatments. IV sedation, on the other hand, allows

the patient to remain in a deeply relaxed state while still breathing on their own, reducing the need for extensive medical supervision. This makes it a safer and more practical alternative for many dental procedures.

For patients who experience anxiety about dental treatments, IV sedation provides a way to receive necessary care without distress. Many people avoid the dentist due to fear, which can lead to worsening oral health over time. IV sedation helps break this cycle by creating a calm, pain-free experience, encouraging patients to get the treatment they need. Because the effects wear off relatively quickly, patients can return home the same day with minimal disruption to their routine. This approach ensures that even those with dental anxiety or past traumatic experiences can maintain good oral health without unnecessary stress.

WHY IS DENTAL IV SEDATION SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS SLEEP DENTISTRY?

The patient is given a small volume of intravenous sedatives, this causes anxiety relief, muscle relaxation, drowsiness and most patients close their eyes and fall asleep.

For many patients, IV sedation feels like being asleep, even though they are still responsive to verbal cues. Because the sedatives create a strong sense of relaxation and amnesia, most people have no memory of the procedure afterward. This is why IV sedation is commonly called “sleep dentistry.” It allows patients to undergo necessary dental treatment in a calm and comfortable state without the anxiety or discomfort they might otherwise experience. IV sedation is especially beneficial for patients who have a strong gag reflex, difficulty sitting still for long periods, or require multiple procedures in a single visit. Because the medication induces deep relaxation, the body’s reflexes are naturally reduced, making treatment smoother and more efficient. This allows the dentist to work with minimal interruptions while ensuring the patient remains comfortable throughout the procedure.

Another advantage of IV sedation is its ability to make time feel like it passes quickly. A procedure that may take an hour or more can feel like only a few minutes to the patient. This is particularly helpful for those undergoing complex dental work, as they can receive necessary treatment without feeling the stress or discomfort of a prolonged visit. By the time the sedation wears off, most patients feel well-rested and are surprised at how easy the experience was.