Breathing during IV Sedation

[Kelly1007]

I am having major anxiety over my IV sedation, because I really fear that I will stop breathing during the procedure. I know patients are monitored, but I read an article about a girl who, despite being monitored, was noticed too late and went into a coma. Now this is all I can think about!!!!

How can I put this fear at rest? How do surgeons ensure you will keep breathing?

Do most IV sedations use an oxygen nasal cannula to provide extra oxygen? Should I be expecting this/alarmed if my surgeon does not use one? He never mentioned this to me when I asked how I breath, he only replied "you breath on your own". So now I'm freaking out!!!!

 

[vicki]

The trouble with magazines and websites is that they are full of horror stories telling you all about when things go wrong .

One of the major benefits of IV sedation over a general anaesthetic and one of the reasons why it is considered to be safe, is that you are able to breathe for yourself throughout. IV sedation does quite often cause amnesia which means that people who have had it, tend not to remember the procedure which can make it seem like they've been unconscious or asleep, but they aren't. They just can't remember it afterwards.

Usually with IV sedation, although you're very very relaxed, you will still be able to hear everything that happens and will be able to respond to questions, it's just that you won't care about what's happening and might not remember it later when you're fully alert and recovered from the sedation.

I haven't had IV sedation for dental appointments, but I have had it in hospital for an endoscopy a few years ago, so I can tell you that they do monitor you throughout and would know whether your oxygen levels had dropped too low. One of the gadgets they use to monitor you is called a pulse oximeter (the peg like thing that goes on your finger) and this measures your pulse and your oxygen levels. If your oxygen levels drop too low, it sets off an alarm so they would know straightaway, however they will be checking on you throughout the procedure as well. I also had oxygen given via a nasal cannula, however I apparently told them I didn't need it and kept removing it (I deny all knowledge of this since I was sedated !). They will probably also check your blood pressure before and during your treatment as well.

If you're still worried, you could try giving your surgeon a call - I'm sure they'd be happy to explain what will happen. We also have a page about IV sedation here: IV Sedation

 

[catnut]

I just had iv sedation and was also worried esp. as I suffer from nasal congestion. I don't remember anything after the iv went in and I can't remember a thing until they stuck a gauze in my mouth. I only felt slightly groggy and could walk with aid to the car once I was enough with it to leave. It really is a good thing when you have anxiety, I thought i'd notice the shot in my gum but not at all. It will be 2 weeks this sat, i'm healing well, went for a check up last sat. and go for my last on the 21st to make sure my gum closes up. I didn't have pain, just abit of swelling and I can chew slowly now and am almost back to my normal diet. Soo glad I did it this way and only wished I did it much sooner.

 

[hartsada]

So how are you now? I'm getting mine done on Tuesday and I'm just terrified just terrified. Been putting off for almost 2 years....gulp.....I am calm now but I think because my nerves are shot and my brain just says do it already...how was your pain? I'm not doing IV just local. Dentist says to needed and I can't even fathom that. I'm afraid of the recovery....pain...pain meds....infection....dry socket....everything. Please let me know and thanks......I need sleep too

 

[catnut]

I put having mine out for 2 years as well and nothing I thought might happen did which is good. I didn't have any pain, just felt abit sore due to the swelling which is almost gone. I can eat and even less than a week later could open my mouth more than the 2 fingers,now it is almost normal and I am chewing but carefully. no infection, just make sure you clean it well once you are eating regular food and no dry socket, and I had a bottom out which was partly in my gum and swollen gum behind it. I do have a big hole but no issues so far with it. Just try to do deep breathing and read some books that deal with anxiety, write in a journal if that helps. Good luck, I'm sure you will do fine. Think positive!