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IV Sedation is a safe and comfortable method of medication that our doctors highly recommend ensuring patients remain as calm, relaxed and pain-free as possible during their procedure.
Because IV sedated patients do not remember anything and time passes in what feels like an instant, it has become the patient’s most popular choice for oral surgery in our office.
Not all oral surgery practices have registered nurses (RNs) on staff, but at Omaha & Council Bluffs Oral Surgery, we elect staff RNs to ensure patients remain in the best hands at all times. Our registered nurses are here to assist before, during and after your procedure.
While in recovery, nurses will thoroughly review recovery instructions with the patient and their caretaker. Patients will be sent home with a recovery box full of necessities for a speedy recovery, including gauze, gloves, a syringe, printed recovery instructions, a medication schedule, their oral surgeon’s personal cell phone number, and ice cream.
If any questions arise outside of office hours, patients are highly encouraged to contact us.
IV sedation, often referred to as conscious sedation, provides numerous advantages for patients undergoing oral surgery. Patients experience a profound sense of calm and relaxation, effectively alleviating the fear and anxiety commonly associated with dental procedures.
While not a primary anesthetic, IV sedation can significantly reduce perceived pain during surgery, contributing to a more comfortable experience.
One of the most notable benefits is amnesia; many patients have little to no recollection of the procedure itself, leading to a more positive post-operative experience. Additionally, the medication is administered directly into the bloodstream, resulting in a rapid onset of sedation, allowing the surgery to commence promptly. The depth of sedation can be carefully controlled throughout the procedure, ensuring patient comfort and safety.
Compared to general anesthesia, patients typically recover more swiftly from IV sedation, enabling them to resume normal activities sooner. Moreover, IV sedation can effectively suppress the gag reflex, making procedures involving the back of the mouth more tolerable. Ultimately, IV sedation enhances overall patient comfort and satisfaction during the oral surgery experience.
To ensure a smooth and safe procedure, it is essential to follow these guidelines before arriving at our office. Refrain from eating or drinking anything for at least eight hours before your scheduled procedure, including no mints or gum.
Arrange for someone you trust to stay with you at the office to drive you home afterward. This person will not be allowed to leave during the procedure, in case of emergency.
If you wear contact lenses, you are asked to wear glasses on the day of your procedure.
Wear a short-sleeved shirt when you arrive at our office.
Please have paperwork filled out before you arrive to streamline your visit. If you prefer to fill out patient registration paperwork at our office, please arrive at least 20 minutes before your appointment time.
Upon arrival at our office, please bring all necessary dental and medical insurance cards. If you have previous X-rays of your mouth, feel free to bring them with you or request that your dentist forward them to our office.
If additional X-rays are required, they can be taken on-site. Before your procedure, a dental assistant will review your medical history, and your doctor will be available to address any questions or concerns.
If you have any concerns about medications, please contact our office before your appointment so we can consult with your physician. It is important to note that patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian who can sign the necessary consent forms.
Whether you have questions about IV sedation or any other procedure, we’re here to help.
Give us a call at Omaha: (402) 934-8999 or Council Bluffs: (712) 309-0480.
