IV Sedation — Team Approach

Surgical procedures in the mouth to include extractions of regular teeth, removal of wisdom teeth and dental implant placement can be performed under local anesthesia, but for many people with dental anxiety or those who would prefer not to hear or see any of the procedure, IV sedation is a very safe and routine option that can be performed in the office setting.

In our practice, the oral surgeons work closely with Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) to provide IV sedation to our patients with a team approach.  Patient safety is our number one concern and by having a CRNA who’s sole role is to deliver and monitor the IV sedation while your oral surgeon performs the surgical procedure allows us to provide you with the utmost in patient safety.   CRNAs are well trained providers of all types of anesthesia in settings ranging from the office to the hospital operating room.

Additionally, your oral surgeon gains extensive experience in providing safe and effective IV sedation in an office setting during their residency training.  In addition to maintaining certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, they are required to undergo an in-office anesthesia evaluation by the NC State Board of Dental Examiners before they are granted an in-office anesthesia permit. 

So together, the CRNA and your oral surgeon provide a very high level of safety during the administration of your IV sedation while you undergo your surgical procedure.

Prior to your procedure you will have an evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate for IV sedation.  Unfortunately, not all patients are healthy enough to receive IV sedation in an office setting.  Sometimes your oral surgeon will consult with your primary care physician or even a specialist like your cardiologist to further evaluation your medical history to determine if IV sedation is a possibility.

If you are deemed a good candidate for IV sedation, you will receive instructions about sedation and the procedure.  Some of the instructions will include the following

• Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before your procedure
• You will need an escort, 18 or over, who can safely drive you home after the procedure
• Your escort will need to remain at the office during your procedure
• Wear a short sleeve shirt the day of your procedure and bring a light jacket or sweater with you
• You may also receive special instructions regarding some of your medications depending on what types of medication you may take on a daily basis

Once again, patient safety is our number one concern so if you have any questions about whether or not you are a good candidate for IV sedation in the office setting, please ask your oral surgeon.