Gentle, Stress-Free Dentistry with IV Sedation
At Maryland Holistic Dentistry, we understand that dental anxiety can keep patients from getting the care they need. That’s why we offer IV sedation — a safe, effective way to help you relax during your dental treatment while still allowing you to respond to your dentist. Whether you’re undergoing wisdom teeth removal, dental implant surgery, or a lengthy restorative procedure, IV sedation can make your visit more comfortable.
How IV Sedation Works
IV sedation involves administering a sedative through a small IV in your arm. The medication works quickly to ease your nerves and create a deeply relaxed state. While you may feel drowsy, you’ll still be able to respond to gentle prompts from your dentist.
Benefits include:
- Rapid onset of relaxation
- Adjustable sedation level throughout the procedure
- Little to no memory of the treatment afterward
- Enhanced comfort for complex or multiple treatments in one visit
Who Can Benefit from IV Sedation?
IV sedation is ideal for patients who:
- Experience severe dental anxiety
- Require extensive or multiple treatments in one session
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Struggle to get numb with local anesthesia alone
- Need oral surgery or more complex care such as All-on-4® implants
Your Safety Is Our Priority
Our experienced team, including Dr. Gena Schultheis, DDS, has extensive training in sedation dentistry. We use modern monitoring equipment to track your oxygen levels, heart rate, and blood pressure throughout your procedure. Before treatment, we’ll review your medical history, medications, and answer all your questions to ensure IV sedation is right for you.
For patients who prefer a milder option, we also offer oral sedation and comfort natural relaxation sedation.
What to Expect After Your Appointment
Following IV sedation, you may feel a bit drowsy for several hours. It’s important to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home. We recommend resting for the remainder of the day and avoiding work, exercise, or operating machinery until the effects have fully worn off.
FAQs About IV Sedation
Will I be unconscious?
No — IV sedation places you in a “twilight” state where you are deeply relaxed but still responsive.
Is IV sedation safe?
Yes. When administered by trained professionals and with proper monitoring, IV sedation is considered very safe.
How long will the effects last?
The sedative wears off gradually over several hours, so plan for the rest of your day to be restful.
Can I eat before IV sedation?
You may be asked to avoid food and drink for several hours before your procedure. Our team will provide detailed instructions.
Schedule Your Stress-Free Dental Visit
Experience dentistry without fear or discomfort. Contact Maryland Holistic Dentistry today to see if IV sedation is right for you.
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