Help I am scared of having IV Sedation

[Mrleeuk]

What if I do not like drinking?! lol! I do not like feeling like I have no control. As long as I can't flip out while under sedation, that's all I care about.

I understand what you are saying. You do not feel out of control at all. In fact you don't really feel anything because you don't realise you are sedated. It is hard to explain but I asked my surgeon the same question and he said the only time people would feel like that is if they were given a huge dose in one go. Dental surgeons trained in sedation use what they call "Titration" which is slowly giving the sedation so you feel very relaxed at first and then all your anxiety is gone. You just become the most happiest person ever and by the time the sedation kicks in full, you will have no recollection of it anyway as within 5 seconds give or take you will be back awake even though in real time an hour or so has passed.

 

[TheGeek]

The good thing about the sedation is it completely removes the anxiety. I am same about takinpain killer in case I feel "spaced out" which is also why I refused gas and air.

I can honestly say, sedation does not make you feel like you are on drugs, it just makes you feel comfortable in the chair and what is also best is that one minute you are chatting with the dentist, then the next thing you are done. It is like you closed your eyes for a brief second and then it is all over and done with.

Yeah i did the google thing. Stay away from it as they only seem to put the worst posts on it is nothing like those stories.

Mall you got to remember is 5 seconds after they give you the sedative, that is it, next thing you know it is all over and done with. It is awesome.

I'm tempted to call them and ask them to change from gas/air to sedation. That sounds perfect! What happens afterwards do you feel any unwanted side effects?

 

[Mrleeuk]

I'm tempted to call them and ask them to change from gas/air to sedation. That sounds perfect! What happens afterwards do you feel any unwanted side effects?

Afterwards you are a bit unsteady on your feet. No dizziness or Nausia though. You feel very refreshed like you have had a powernap then when you get home you will probably sleep for a few goods hours too.

If if you do have IV sedation, you need someone with you to escort you home as it is as if you are a happy drunk but without the dizziness and it can last for a few hours. It is fun, it was like I had had the best day ever lol.

oh by the way, it is nothing like those YouTube videos of kids talking rubbish on the way home. My dentist told me that in those videos, they had been given way too much sedative.

 

[LittleLynnie]

I had a great IV sedation experience too. I only remember having them start the sedation and then I was awake again with it all behind me. I had no unsteadiness whatsoever and had no interest in sleeping when I got home either. I have had general anaesthetic too, and come out of that much more quickly than other people usually do, so just wanted to let you know that everyone will process the sedation drugs differently after they "wake up".

 

[jack1995]

Hi.

Yes i I have a medication phobia. Before the surgeon gave me the sedative I hyper ventilated and felt sick because I was that scared. The surgeon said to me "Lee, can I just give you a little bit to make you feel better, it will be just like you have had a couple of pints". I agreed and when he did it he said to me "do you feel anything?" And I said "no it's not working". I then felt a pleasant light headed sensation. Not like you have stood up too fast or anything but more like I wanted to put my head down and have a nap. That is all I remember. My wife was still in the room with me and I was apparently taking like I was drunk telling the surgeon I did not feel any different lol and the surgeon was just joking with me saying my speech says different.

Next thing I remember was the assistant who was monitoring my vitals taking off my blood pressure band and removing the IV. It was like I had a power nap and I felt amazing when I woke up. Little bit Unsteady on my feet but had no dizziness, or nausea. To be honest I have taken anti depressants for over 15 years and they do t make me feel as good as the sedative did for the rest of the day. It just felt like it was the best day ever.

I can assure you, I had 2 weeks of sleepless nights with all the worrying. I would do it again if needed and I have a fear of drugs but it felt like it was over and done with in minutes. You have nothing to worry about.

You will Not feel drugged up or spaced out when they give you it, You still feel normal just a little sleepy like you have had a few relaxing drinks with friends then next thing you know you will be walking to the recovery room. It is amazing.

I hope this helps and if you want any other questions answering then ask me, I will tell you the 100% truth as I know how you feel at this moment.

I’m having this tomorrow I suffer with panic attacks will i fall asleep or will I know what’s going on

 

[Anxious76]

I’m having this tomorrow I suffer with panic attacks will i fall asleep or will I know what’s going on

Hi there, I just had IV Sedation in September and was scared I would be aware of what was happening, but I wasn’t. The things I clearly recall about my procedure are the IV going in, the Sedation drug being admininistered into the IV, feeling very warm and lightheaded in a good way, telling the dentist “woo, that’s good stuff”’and “waking up” at the end with the dental assistant putting gauze in and out of my mouth. I was not consciously aware of even being awake even though I was. I was all worked up before I had it done scared to death I would know something but I didn’t. I know what you’re going through but IV Sedation really does work and is a God send for those of us terrified of dental procedures. Lots of luck tomorrow!

 

[Superscared32]

Hi there, I just had IV Sedation in September and was scared I would be aware of what was happening, but I wasn’t. The things I clearly recall about my procedure are the IV going in, the Sedation drug being admininistered into the IV, feeling very warm and lightheaded in a good way, telling the dentist “woo, that’s good stuff”’and “waking up” at the end with the dental assistant putting gauze in and out of my mouth. I was not consciously aware of even being awake even though I was. I was all worked up before I had it done scared to death I would know something but I didn’t. I know what you’re going through but IV Sedation really does work and is a God send for those of us terrified of dental procedures. Lots of luck tomorrow!

I'm getting ready to have IV sedation on Wednesday and I am scared. I will have all my teeth removed on that day.

 

[Anxious76]

I'm getting ready to have IV sedation on Wednesday and I am scared. I will have all my teeth removed on that day.

That’s exactly what I had done.

 

[letsconnect]

We now have a collection of IV sedation stories/experiences on our website:

IV Sedation Experiences

Read about IV sedation experiences which people have shared on Dental Fear Central over the years!

www.dentalfearcentral.org

And lots of information and FAQs about IV sedation here:

IV Sedation

Find out all about IV dental sedation: what does it feel like, is it safe, and how do the sedation drugs midazolam and remimazolam differ?

www.dentalfearcentral.org

 

[Meichan]

Hi honey, I've had that for an implant.

It is *nothing* to worry about. I hate needles, I hate I'V's, but other than the initial quick discomfort of finding a vein (and that's tough on me because I'm skinny), it was no sweat.
I was sort of conscious. But it just made it feel like an hour and a half procedure took like, 10 mins. I remember more than most patients I've been told. But they wheeled me out in a wheelchair to the car and I got a ride home. I was able to be up on my feet but my then partner begged me to lie down. I slept for maybe an hour, and then felt fine.

It's a breeze.

 

[Scaredkrystal]

I have to have IV sedation on Monday for a three hour appointment and I am terrified. Reading experiences on here is helping me though.
If anyone with recent success stories could help that would be fab.
I’m scared of how I’ll feel afterwards and during actually

 

[krlovesherkids777]

Hi ScaredKrystal, We are glad to have you here with us at DFC. What scares you most about the Sedation? Have you met or are you familiar with the dentist and did your Dr or team go over at all with you, the process and how they will help you ? If not maybe you could call them and ask them to go over it. Sometimes that can reassuring to get information and answers I know I try to ask all I can, usually I forget most of the questions when I am there so have to call or email to ask after , We get it and it is very human to be scared of any medical procedure such as this. Although I haven't had sedation for dental I have for endoscopy and just was super nervous before but once I got in it was over before I knew it, When my daughter had her dental surgery she was sedated and the team took very good care of her each step of the way, They let me go back with her until they gave her the IV . She didn't remember a thing. https://www.dentalfearcentral.org/help/sedation-dentistry/ This page might help if you haven't seen it. I hope you get some more stories before you go.

 

[Scaredkrystal]

@krlovesherkids777 hey yes my dentist and surgeon have gone through everything.
I’m worried that it won’t work and I won’t get the work done.
I’m also worried about feeling really sleepy afterwards. I hate that feeling of being drugged op and not able to keep my eyes open. I’d like to be able to function again a few hours after.
I’m on IV for a three hour appointment and the thought of three hours is really scary.
What if I need a wee half way through??

 

[Scaredkrystal]

I’m freaking out. It’s Monday when I am sedated and it’s now Saturday. It’s coming way too quickly

 

[krlovesherkids777]

Scaredkrystal, the last few days building up can be a little anxiety producing. Is there anything this weekend that will keep your mind off of it as much as possible? I'm glad they went through everything with you, but this anxiety is really normal . Give yourself So much credit for making the appt and doing it even though you're a little scared. You are super courageous. It is definitely normal to fear the unknown a little. Remember they do this all day every day and will guide you through every step. It's okay to tell them you are nervous, and to go slow with the process of the sedation or do things at your pace. I do remember them asking my daughter if she had to use the restroom before, so I know her bladder was mighty empty. Doesn't hurt just to take an extra trip . Do you have a special treat planned for after? ice cream? chocolate mousse? Think of us as there with you Also for many procedures I would write on my journal here even sitting in the waiting room and it was comforting.. Keep us informed , take some deep breaths. try to do something fun this weekend.

 

[Scaredkrystal]

Thank you so much for your support x

 

[Kitty84]

I had IV sedation about 18 months ago and honestly it’s a game changer for me, knowing that if need any treatment, then this is an option for me.

I went into the room and the dentist popped a cannula in and then gave the sedative - medazolam (sorry can’t spell) and started drawing up local to inject. I remeber asking if it would kick in before he started the injections, and then felt the first tiniest bit - but to be honest I think I was more worried I would feel it than actually feeling it - and after they told me they topped the sedation up at this point so I was comfy.

I didn’t have any dizziness, sickness, anything weird - I was there and suddenly I wasn’t! It was like a major zone out, no pain, and like some fast forward conversations going on with dentist and nurse.

I still knew what was happening I just didn’t really care is the best way to describe. I was zonked for the first bit - I had a proper cleaning which they did first, and I remeber the dentist saying he would start doing the filling I needed, and I was able to tell him I wanted a break - I can’t remeber why but it wasn’t pain related I think I got confused - and then it was done.

I felt really groggy like if you wake up from deep sleep but not dizzy or sick.

I slept most of that day and was a bit “hungover” the next day but was fine.

Honestly it was perfect for me. My biggest anxiety was that I wouldn’t be able to say “stop” if I could feel it and I could.

The leaflet from dentist about sedation had a funny end note saying “we advise you avoid making important or legal decisions - and stay off social media for 24 hours!”

Good luck

 

[Kitty84]

Ps - be really proud of yourself. X

 

[Scaredkrystal]

Thank you!

 

[krlovesherkids777]

Kitty84,
Absolutely love your testimony and experience! and made me laugh about the social media .