Dugan & Sweeney Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
412-366-2090
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IV Sedation in Pittsburgh, PA

Relax During Your Next Procedure

Woman relaxing in chair before IV sedation in Pittsburgh

Whether you suffer from dental anxiety, dental phobia, or simply want to be comfortable during your upcoming procedure, IV sedation can help. It’s estimated that 36 percent of patients suffer from dental phobia, and 12 percent of them have extreme dental fear. Don’t let stress prevent you from getting the dental care you need. With IV sedation, we can complete your next procedure while you sit back and enjoy a deep state of relaxation.

What is IV Sedation?

IV sedation, also known as conscious sedation or twilight sedation, is a type of dental sedation that’s administered intravenously. This type of sedation is typically utilized in combination with an analgesic to achieve a pain-free, peaceful state of mind. 

IV sedation is a trusted form of dental sedation that’s used when a local anesthetic isn’t sufficient, but deeper general anesthesia isn’t necessary. If you have anxiety about an upcoming procedure, let us know, and we’ll explain how you can benefit from IV sedation.

What are the Benefits of IV Sedation?

While any form of dental sedation will ease your anxiety, IV sedation is a powerful sedative that takes effect within a few minutes. IV sedation has many benefits, including:

  • Increased control – We’ll gradually administer the sedative until you’re fully relaxed. If we notice any signs of discomfort, we can increase the dosage precisely until you return to a dreamlike state. Once the procedure is complete, we’ll stop the flow of medication and you’ll quickly regain full consciousness.
  • Semi-conscious state of relaxation – Unlike general anesthesia where the patient is unconscious, with IV sedation, you’ll be semi-conscious the entire time. You’ll be able to respond to questions and verbal commands. 
  • Temporary amnesia – Many patients report not being able to recall the details of their procedure. This is particularly helpful if you have severe dental anxiety. With IV sedation, you’ll remain in a deep state of relaxation without any worries or pain.
  • Improved oral health – While you rest peacefully, we’ll complete even the most complex treatments with precise attention to detail. We can even perform several procedures at once instead of throughout several visits.

Who’s a Candidate for IV Sedation?

IV sedation is commonly used for a variety of dental procedures ranging from tooth extraction to root canal therapy to help patients relax. IV sedation is appropriate for patients who exhibit at least one of the following:

  • History of traumatic dental experiences
  • Low pain threshold
  • Dental anxiety or phobia
  • Difficulty with other forms of dental sedation
  • Sensitive gag reflex
  • Complex dental procedures
  • Limited time to complete multiple procedures

Most patients are ideal candidates for IV sedation. One of our dentists will review your medical history to determine if it’s the best way to keep you comfortable during your procedure.

Is IV Sedation the Same as General Anesthesia?

General anesthesia is reserved for patients undergoing invasive surgeries that typically take place in a hospital setting. Patients are given a combination of sedatives intravenously and gases that are inhaled through a mask. The medications are administered by an anesthesiologist, and the patient is unconscious throughout the procedure. 

Therefore, the procedure is typically riskier than IV sedation. With IV sedation, you can respond to verbal stimuli and physical touch. The recovery time is faster as well, making it a safer option than general anesthesia.

How Will I Feel After IV Sedation?

Following IV sedation, it typically takes 24 hours to metabolize the medication. During this time, you may experience drowsiness, dry mouth, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and you may have difficulty remembering the procedure.

In addition to following any recommendations from our dentists, you’ll want to refrain from any activities that could physically harm you or another person. For your safety, you’ll need to have a ride home. Stay hydrated and rest as needed. You’ll also want to follow our pre-op instructions to help ensure a safe and quick recovery.

Is Sedation Safe for Pediatric Dentistry?

Yes! Under the supervision of experienced dentists, such as Drs. Dugan and Sweeney, sedation is safe for children. Typically, children will only be given mild forms of sedation such as nitrous oxide or oral sedation. For more complex procedures, we can administer IV sedation.

For more information about IV sedation, don’t hesitate to contact our office by calling (412) 366-2090 or fill out the contact form and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Achieve Peace of Mind During Your Treatments With IV Sedation

We want to do everything we can to make you feel comfortable during your treatments at our Pittsburgh office. If you have an upcoming surgery or suffer from dental anxiety, be sure to ask one of our team members about the benefits of IV sedation. 

You can also schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable dentists by calling (412) 366-2090. You can sit back and relax while we improve your oral health.

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Pittsburgh Location Dugan and Sweeney
9401 McKnight Rd Suite 201
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Phone: (412) 366- 2090
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Hours Mon - Thurs: 8am - 5pm
Friday: 8am - 4pm
Sat & Sun: Closed

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Butler Office
Butler Office
373 Evans City Road
Butler, PA 16001
Phone: (724) 282-6312
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Friday: 8am - 4pm
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Zelienople Office
Zelienople Office Dugan and Sweeney
506 South Main Street Suite 2101
Zelienople, PA 16063
Phone: (724) 452-9153
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Hours Mon - Thurs: 8am - 5pm
Friday: 8am - 4pm
Sat & Sun: Closed

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Greenville Office
Greenville Office Dugan and Sweeney
2 Greenville Orthopedic Center
Greenville, PA 16125
Phone: (724) 588-7260
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Hours Mon - Thurs: 8am - 5pm
Friday: 8am - 4pm
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