Moderate IV Sedation

Moderate IV sedation works by placing an intravenous access (IV) and administering medications that safely ease patients into a state of increased calmness, relaxation, and forgetfulness.

What should I do before I arrive? Does someone need to drive me home?

Starting 12 hours prior to appointment time, it is very important that the patient does not consume any food or beverage.

All patients undergoing Moderate IV sedation must have a responsible adult drive the patient to our office, remain in the office during treatment, drive the patient home afterward, and stay with the patient 2-3 hours after returning home.

Upon arriving for your appointment you will be greeted by our trained nurse practitioner who will be present during all treatment to assist Dr. Holt in administering your sedation.

Patients will be able to respond to questions and move throughout the procedure. Patients may or may not remember the appointment.

Moderate IV sedation can last as long as it takes to complete dental treatment. Appointments as short as 10 minutes and as long as 4-5 hours can safely be done under moderate IV sedation.

Patients undergoing moderate IV sedation may feel sleepy and forgetful for a few hours following treatment.

Apart from a small prick on the arm, patients undergoing dental treatment done under moderate IV sedation feel next to nothing during treatment

Moderate IV sedation is very safe. A trained nurse practitioner will be present during all treatment to assist Dr. Holt in administering your sedation.

Moderate IV sedation is available for most patients ages 16 and older.