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Alta Dental > Services > IV Sedation Dentistry

If just thinking about coming to the dentist makes you nervous, be sure to give us a call and ask how sedation could be used at your next appointment.

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IV Sedation Dentistry in East Vancouver

At Alta Dental Studio, we see nervous patients on a daily basis, but thanks to sedation dentistry, we can help even the most anxious patients relax during their appointments. Our team devotes a significant amount of time and effort to learning about the most efficient ways to calm patients so that they can receive their necessary care without experiencing undue stress. If just thinking about coming to the dentist makes you nervous, be sure to give us a call and ask how sedation could be used at your next appointment.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Dental anxiety is a major problem that results in a substantial number of people avoiding their much-needed dental care each year. This frequently permits minor issues to escalate into painful emergencies and long-term complications, causing even more fear of visiting the dentist’s office. A dental infection can sometimes get so severe that it affects a person’s general health!

Sedation dentistry can help patients overcome this initial fear and feel relaxed in the chair so they can receive the treatment they require for optimal dental health and a beautiful smile. Whether someone is afraid of routine checkups and cleanings or is in need of more involved care, sedation can be used to make absolutely anyone feel comfortable.

Who Could Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?

There are several situations in which our dentists may recommend sedation dentistry.

Dental Anxiety

Those who experience mild to moderate fear or anxiety about dental appointments.

Complex Cases

Those who need extensive procedures done in one appointment.

Gag Reflex

Those who have a sensitive gag reflex that makes treatment difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who isn't a good candidate for sedation dentistry?

Thankfully, nearly everyone can benefit from some form of sedation dentistry. However, it may not be a good option in specific scenarios. We’ll carefully review your screening exam results, medical history, and list of medications to determine if you’re a good candidate.

When You Shouldn't Choose Dental Sedation

There are a few medical conditions that can make sedation dentistry risky, such as:

Pregnancy
Respiratory issues
Kidney or liver problems
Thyroid disorders
Allergies

Patients can also develop a tolerance to certain antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications that could impact the efficacy of dental sedation. Sometimes, mixing medications with the medicine used in IV sedation can also cause reactions or problems for patients.

Understanding IV Sedation Dentistry in Vancouver

At Alta Dental Studio, we're happy to offer IV sedation for our patients. During IV sedation, medication is delivered intravenously and can be adjusted as needed throughout your procedures. A licensed professional closely monitors your vital signs and heart rate the entire time to ensure your comfort and safety.

Contact Your Vancouver Sedation Dentist

If you'd like to learn more about IV sedation, talk with a team member at Alta Dental Studio by calling (604) 876-5032 or request an appointment online.

How much does sedation dentistry cost?

Since there are so many influencing factors, there isn’t a set price for sedation dentistry.

The cost of these calming services will largely depend on which type of sedation you’re interested in and how much of it you’ll need. Some dental insurance plans may cover a portion of sedation dentistry.

Convenient Financing

We’re also proud to offer low- to no-interest financing through Affirm. These third-party companies can help you break up the cost of your treatment into affordable payments.

How safe is sedation dentistry?

When administered by an experienced and highly trained sedation dentist like Dr. Liu, sedation dentistry is considered safe. Additionally, we closely monitor you during treatment as an extra precaution, using the same equipment found in a hospital setting. We’ll be monitoring your respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure to ensure a safe treatment.

Of course, our IV sedation treatment starts with a comprehensive screening appointment, which includes:

A careful evaluation of your current health
A careful review of past health issues
A complete list of past and present diagnoses
A complete list of medications

Why Choose IV Sedation in Vancouver, BC?

If you’re undergoing invasive or lengthy treatment, IV sedation can make the appointment seem quicker. Also, if you have a strong gag reflex or dental phobia, IV sedation can help you get the care you need without the stress.

It’s important to note that some patients are not good candidates for this level of sedation, including:

Patients with specific health issues, such as a heart condition
Patients taking certain medications that can’t be stopped before IV sedation
Patients who have shown a particular allergy or reaction to sedation in the past

Contact Your Dentist in Vancouver, BC

To learn more about IV sedation or to schedule a consultation, please call us today at (604) 876-5032.

If you use IV sedation, you must have a friend or family member who can drive you home from your appointment.

Will sedation dentistry put me to sleep?

Many patients who experience dental anxiety wonder if sedation dentistry will actually put them to sleep during their procedures. The answer depends on the type of sedation used. In most cases, however, you’ll remain awake, just deeply relaxed. At Alta Dental Studio, our sedation dentist in East Vancouver focuses on keeping you calm and comfortable without fully putting you under.

What to Expect During Sedation Dentistry

When you receive sedation, medication is given orally, through inhalation, or intravenously. These medications ease anxiety, dull sensations, and help time pass more quickly, while keeping you alert and able to respond to instructions and communicate with your dentist.

Why It May Feel Like You Were Asleep

Sedation can cause drowsiness and may result in temporary memory loss of the appointment. This is why many patients, even though they were technically conscious, believe they were asleep during their procedures.

Will I Be Completely Unconscious?

General anesthesia is the only sedation method that renders patients completely unconscious. It is not typically used for routine dental care, which employs safer and lighter options, for comfort without full unconsciousness.

Can I Fall Asleep During the Procedure?

Yes. Some patients feel so relaxed that they naturally fall asleep. If that happens, your sedation dentist in Vancouver will gently wake you if needed.

Comfortable Dental Care with Sedation in East Vancouver

If you’re in East Vancouver and want to learn more about Alta Dental Studio and the measures we take to ensure every patient’s relaxation and comfort, please contact Dr. Jason Liu and our friendly, caring team to schedule a consultation.

What Does IV Sedation Feel Like?

IV sedation can help even the most fearful patient feel calm and safe in our office. Many patients report that their appointment time went by very quickly, and they do not remember most of the appointment at all. Intravenous sedation involves injecting a mild anti-anxiety medication directly into the patient’s bloodstream to help them become relaxed very rapidly. During your appointment, you remain conscious and can respond to verbal commands but feel deeply relaxed.

Patients who had IV sedation before commonly describe feeling as if they are drifting in and out of sleep. While you are under sedation, our extensively trained team will carefully monitor and adjust your sedative level to ensure you remain comfortable and safe every moment. After the appointment, you should plan to have a trustworthy person transport you home from the office and keep an eye on you for a few hours. You may feel drowsy for the rest of the day, but by the next morning, the sedation should have worn off and you won’t have recollection of your appointment.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. Jason Liu, a dentist in East Vancouver

Dr. Jason Liu
Dentist and Founder

Dr. Renzuo Jason Liu obtained his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of British Columbia, where he also completed a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science degree.

Dr. Liu is a perpetual student and spends hundreds of hours every year on quality continuing education. He has been focusing his career on excellent clinical skills in all aspects of dentistry, truthful and effective communication, and creating a “different” experience. Dr. Liu learned early in his career that he needs to listen and understand, to truly care and be compassionate, and ...

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December 21, 2024

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