Intravenous (IV) Sedation
Ensure comfort during your appointment with IV Sedation.
Oral Surgery in Comfort
At Knoxville Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we provide intravenous or IV sedation to ensure the comfort of our patients during surgical procedures. As a deeper form of sedation, this option places patients in an extreme state of relaxation for the duration of their appointment. Dr. Turner P. Emery and Dr. Frank Rizzo have received extensive training in anesthesia and are licensed by the Tennessee Board of Dentistry to provide IV sedation, as well as other forms of anesthesia. At our state-of-the-art surgical center in Knoxville, TN, you can undergo your oral surgery procedure in comfort.
What is IV Sedation?
Commonly known as “twilight anesthesia,” IV sedation depresses your level of consciousness to the point of total relaxation while still allowing you to respond to verbal commands. The medication is delivered directly into your bloodstream through a line inserted into your vein. Typically, this type of sedation causes partial or full memory loss, leaving you less likely to remember the procedure.
A Safe Sedation Option
Delivering sedation through an IV is a very safe method for encouraging relaxation during oral surgery. The goal of IV sedation is to administer as little medication as possible while still providing maximum comfort. Since you are connected to the supply of medication throughout the procedure, Dr. Emery or Dr. Rizzo will be able to monitor your levels and maintain a consistent level of sedation. At any time, he can supply the antidote to reverse the effects of the medication and return you to consciousness.
Preparing for Sedation
If you elect to undergo oral surgery with IV sedation, our team will provide you with a detailed list of instructions to follow before and after your procedure. These steps can help you prepare for the procedure and ensure your safety during the treatment.
You will need to avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 8 hours before your appointment to ensure that your stomach is empty before sedation. You should also stop smoking at least 12 hours prior to treatment.
We recommend wearing loose-fitting clothes and low-heeled shoes to your procedure to ensure the greatest comfort possible. Immediately before the surgery, we will ask you to remove any contact lenses, dentures, or jewelry, as well. After surgery, you will not be able to drive home, so it is important to arrange for someone to escort you to and from our surgical facility.
After surgery, you will not be able to drive home, so it is important to arrange for someone to escort you to and from our surgical facility.
The Administration Process
Before your procedure, we will insert a thin needle into a vein in your arm or hand. This needle is then attached to a tube, through which the medication is delivered. Once the sedation takes effect, you may fall completely asleep or drift in and out of sleep. In cases of light sedation, you may not sleep at all, but may simply feel relaxed and calm. At the end of your surgery, it is likely you will still feel groggy and tired until the effects of the sedative dissipate.
Safe, Effective Sedation
The surgical team at Knoxville Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is dedicated to providing safe sedation that allows you to undergo necessary treatment in comfort. Drs. Emery and Rizzo can perform surgery under IV sedation, as well as general anesthesia when necessary. Contact our office online or call us at (865) 584-6207 today to learn more about our oral surgery and sedation services.
(865) 584-6207