IV Sedation Pre-Op

Pre-Op Instructions for IV Sedation

IV sedation is one of the most effective ways to stay completely relaxed during dental treatment, offering a deeper level of sedation than nitrous oxide or oral sedation. Because it works at a deeper level, there are a few important steps to take before your appointment to keep you safe and make sure everything goes smoothly. Please review the guidelines below in the days leading up to your visit.

No Food or Drink Beforehand

Do not eat or drink anything, including water, for at least 8 hours before your appointment. This step matters more than people realize. An empty stomach helps prevent serious complications during sedation, so please follow this guideline closely.

Your Regular Medications

Keep taking your usual medications as prescribed unless we have told you otherwise. Be sure to share a full list of your medications, vitamins, and supplements with us ahead of time. In some cases, we may ask you to adjust a dose or hold off on a specific medication on the day of your visit.

Arrange a Ride and a Helper

You will need a responsible adult to drive you to your appointment and bring you home afterward. The effects of IV sedation linger for hours, so please do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for at least 24 hours after your visit. Having someone with you for the rest of the day is a smart idea, too.

Dress for Comfort

Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment. A short-sleeved top, or one with sleeves that roll up easily, works best since the IV is typically placed in your arm.

Leave Valuables at Home

Take off any jewelry before you head in, and leave valuables at home. Things can easily go missing while you are sedated, and keeping them safe at home gives you one less thing to think about.

Update Us on Your Health

Let us know about any recent changes in your health, even if they seem minor or unrelated to your dental care. Things like a recent illness, breathing issues, diabetes, or any new diagnoses can all play a role in how we plan your sedation.

Tell Us About Allergies

Make sure we have a complete and current list of your allergies, especially to medications. This way we can be sure to avoid anything that could cause a reaction during your procedure.

Pre-Op Consultation

In some cases, we will set up a quick pre-op visit to walk you through the sedation process, review your medical history together, and answer any questions you have. This is a good time to bring up anything that has been on your mind so you head into your appointment feeling fully prepared.

Sticking closely to these guidelines helps keep you safe and makes sure your sedation does its job from start to finish. If you have any questions or concerns before your appointment, the team at Perfect Smile Dental Care is just a phone call away. We are happy to walk you through anything that is unclear.