I.V. Sedation

Sedation dentistry has been a remarkable advance.

I.V. sedation is a safe and effective way to accomplish almost all dental procedures (from simple cleanings and fillings to more complicated root canals and surgery) on patients who are very apprehensive or who are otherwise unable to tolerate sitting in the dental chair.

I.V. sedation is the perfect solution for those patients who have an extensive amount of treatment requiring lengthy visits. Sedation often allows a procedure to be done in a single session instead of in several.

"I have over 25 years experience performing I.V. (intra-venous) sedation. In addition, I have received certification from the Maryland State Dental Board and stay current on the latest technological advances through 25 hours of continuing education every year.

I use the same sedation technique and medication that Oral Surgeons have been using in their offices to sedate patients to take out wisdom teeth for years. The only difference is that now patients can have virtually all their dental procedures done under sedation instead of just extraction." -- Dr. Mark Gasbara, DDS

• Through the use of an I.V., medications such as Versed, Fentanyl, Ketamine, Propofol, Sodium Brevital and Valium can be titrated into the patient's bloodstream to induce vaying levels of sedation from light to deep sedation.
• Local anesthetic is still used after the patient is asleep.
• Other medications such as antibiotics, steroids, and anticholinergics (atrophine) as well as emergency medications (narcan) can also be administered though the I.V.
• All patients are monitored with automatic blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and EKG.
• Sedation can also be used to treat those with developmental disabilities.

Patients requesting I.V. sedation...

• must be in good health
• not eat or drink 6 hours before their appointment

• have someone drive them home
• FAQs