Your dentist told you that you are scheduled for a dental procedure and has recommended using IV sedation. If this is your first time needing IV sedation, you may wonder, what is the difference between IV sedation and general anesthesia? While both can be administered intravenously, there is a significant difference between IV sedation and general anesthesia and their application.
What is IV Sedation?
While it may appear similar to general anesthesia, IV sedation is very different in a few ways. As with general anesthesia, IV sedation medication is administered through a PIV line inserted into a vein in the arm or hand. General anesthesia may also involve inhalants given through a mask in combination with an IV.
The general purpose of IV sedation is to assist a patient in achieving a relaxed state without loss of consciousness. Instead, IV sedation medications induce a reduced state of consciousness where the patient generally maintains the ability to respond to some stimuli. One advantageous difference between IV sedation and general anesthesia is that under IV sedation, a patient is likely able to respond to commands given by the dentist, making some procedures easier to accomplish. Even though a patient may be responsive, they are unlikely to remember anything about it due to the amnesia effect of the medication.
The dentist may also administer pain medication through the IV, which enters the bloodstream and provides relief much quicker than oral medication can. A dentist can better control the medication levels to address different tolerance levels.
What is IV Sedation Used For?
Circumstances, where IV sedation may be indicated, include helping a patient who experiences a significant level of fear or anxiety relating to dental care, addressing a more complex or invasive dental procedure, or consolidating extensive dental work into fewer appointments. IV sedation may also help patients with a bad gag reflex that makes dental work difficult. Treatment plans may also integrate a combination of sedation techniques alongside IV sedation.
IV sedation techniques are very effective in the context of dentistry. A patient’s vital signs are monitored closely throughout the procedure. The risks associated with IV sedation are less than those associated with general anesthesia, making IV sedation preferable over general anesthesia whenever possible.
What is General Anesthesia?
General anesthesia is rarely used in the context of dentistry due to the advantages and effectiveness of modern IV sedation techniques. General anesthesia may be indicated only in rare circumstances involving very complex procedures or where patients have a higher-than-normal tolerance to medications used in IV sedation.
General anesthesia is almost exclusively reserved for complex surgeries where a patient must be unconscious. Surgeries on vital organs, such as the heart or brain, or where there may be significant blood loss, require a patient to be unconscious, and general anesthesia provides for this. When fully anesthetized, the brain is unable to process pain signals. The need for pain medication is less because pain signals are not processed by the brain when unconscious. Muscle relaxants might also be prescribed along with general anesthesia. This combination may help relax the muscles in the body so that the surgeon or doctor has an easier time performing the necessary work. A patient’s vital signs are monitored closely during a procedure. A doctor may intubate a patient.
The risks associated with general anesthesia are relatively small, and in fact, are less than the risks associated with the surgical procedure itself. The patient will remember nothing of the surgery or procedure because they are unconscious. Unconsciousness is more than just falling asleep, though the patient may wake up from general anesthesia feeling groggy or like they’ve been napping.
Is IV Sedation Safer than General Anesthesia? Are there any advantages to using IV Sedation?
IV sedation and general anesthesia are considered safe options for most people, but IV sedation offers additional benefits while carrying less risk than general anesthesia. General anesthesia usually involves some support of vital functions, which may implement medical devices such as a mechanical ventilator or breathing tube. With IV sedation, a patient can still support these essential functions without intervention because they are still conscious.
Patient vital stats are monitored closely with both IV sedation and general anesthesia. Both medication levels can be adjusted quickly, as needed. Patients who go under general anesthesia are completely unconscious while those under IV sedation are moderately conscious. Due to temporary amnesia, a patient under IV sedation often remembers nothing of the procedure. A sedated patient will also recover faster than a patient who undergoes general anesthesia.
Sedation Dentist in Paradise Valley – Scottsdale, AZ
A sedation dentist in Scottsdale you can trust, Dr. Reem Kidess has more than two decades of experience working with anxious patients just like you. With the latest in sedation, restorative technology, experience, and knowledgeable staff, we invite you to join the happy smiles that walk out of our office every day. Along with a compassionate team of support staff, Dr. Kidess is committed to working with you to understand and effectively address the fears and anxiety keeping you from achieving your best smile. Contact the office today and schedule your virtual consultation visit.
