IV Sedation - Really Scared

[Mrsmurray23]

Hello,

I’ve written on here before but I have severe dental phobia and also phobia of death. I hate feeling out of control, and so much so it’s led me to make some dangerous decisions for my oral health and now I’m at a place of having no choice but to get some work done.

I am schedule to have IV sedation next Thursday for an extraction and some cavities filled and I’m starting to get really nervous again. I cancelled my first appt because I had too much panic (I cried non stop for 10 days prior to my appt convinced I would die from sedation).

Today I’m seeing a GP at the recommendation of my therapist to seek some rescue meds for my panic (probably Xanax). I’m scared of this too, but I also don’t want to keep feeling this way either.

Can anyone share their experiences with IV sedation, specifically anyone who has severe phobia over being sedated? I just cry every time I think of being sedated worried I’ll die and leave my daughter and husband behind. I’m really scared.

 

[feelingbetter]

I wish I could but I am scheduled for IV for the first time on January 10th. If you search these threads there are a lot of positive stories on IV. I know they have something in the surgery to wake you up (apparently in case of a fire alarm) so it should all be fine. Nothing like a GA. You are conscious

 

[letsconnect]

@Mrsmurray23 have you seen this:

IV Sedation Experiences

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

www.dentalfearcentral.org

There are lots of personal experiences with IV sedation there, also from people who were dead scared of being sedated beforehand.

IV sedation in adults is extremely safe, the very rare incidents you may come across online tend to involve really reckless behaviour on behalf of the providers. If you trust your dentist, this should not be an issue at all.

You'll be so pleased once this has been taken care of

 

[TraumaPatient]

@Mrsmurray23
I require Xanax, nitrous and IV sedation for all invasive procedures. Even with all of that, I’m still wide awake and responsive. My anxiety is so high that it takes A LOT just to keep me from having a full blown panic attack. This just takes the edge off.

For routine exams & cleanings, I can get by with just Xanax & nitrous.

Without sedation, I can’t even walk in the door.

 

[Mrsmurray23]

@TraumaPatient I am just so scared of being sedated. My GP prescribed me Xanax yesterday but I still haven’t taken it. I am just worried about feeling drunk or dizzy or out of control. I think of having the iv sedation and I immediately feel sick and cry. I just don’t want things to be this hard

 

[Mrsmurray23]

@TraumaPatient How do you do with the IV sedation? Do they use midazolam? How does it feel for you?

 

[TraumaPatient]

I’m not exactly sure of the IV drug name. (Sorry) It works well as long as I am calm BEFORE they administer it … I have to take oral meds (2 doses— wait 30 mins or so between each) in the exam chair, music headphones, quiet meditation…. And then the nitrous…. And then the IV.
It has to happen that way …. Or else I can’t control my terror and have a full panic attack in the exam chair. Run screaming. Not good.

To me, the sedation is as important (or maybe MORE important) than the actual dental procedure itself.

Novocain never ever worked for me. So it’s been over 40 yrs of dental trauma with every visit — so I just stopped going. Sedation is the most important thing.

 

[TraumaPatient]

@Mrsmurray23
Forgot to add .. the meds do not make me fell drowsy or drunk. My anxiety is a beast .. it takes a lot to calm down my dental phobia. Am I’m STILL wide awake, able to walk & talk before & after the appointment …. the meds just make it possible for me to sit still and focus on deep breathing during the procedure. My last procedure was over 2.5 hours long. That’s a long time. It went well.

Best wishes.

 

[TraumaPatient]

@Mrsmurray23 I just looked it up. The brand name is Versed and yes — that’s what I had too. I causes me to “not care” and just sit still in the chair no problem. No woozy after effects. Some people have little to no memory of the procedure, but it’s not scary. I just remember being there, not specific memories of extractions or drills or anything.

My dental needs are emergencies at this point. I literally have no choice anymore. Sedation is literally the ONLY WAY for me.

Give it a go. Keep us updated. You can do it.

 

[Mrsmurray23]

@TraumaPatient thank you for your response - I’m so sorry you struggle with such extreme anxiety! I’m just trying to surround myself with stories of success when it comes to IV sedation. I know it’s used thousands of times a year here in the US for wisdom tooth removals, and sedation dentistry is more common place now for other work as well. I’m glad you’ve found a way to get your treatments done - I’m looking forward to being able to be on the other side of all of this too!

 

[oneby]

I only had the IV sedation once - when I had my wisdom teeth out. I was scared out of my mind for the same reasons you said. But it turned out to be nothing, in fact I found it interesting. It's a great thing how quick it all goes. Once second they're talking to you the next they're waking you up and it's all over. Wonderful.

 

[deano85]

I had IV sedation... It really was brilliant...
Absolutely petrified, its mainly a needle thing for me as well, but once the IV was in, it was almost instant...
You just feel like you really dont care about it, then next i knew it was all over... First thing i asked was how long it took... 40 minutes but it felt like 30 seconds...
Kind of had vague memories at the time, but honestly, you really wont care... Best thing i ever did, though im determined not to have to use it again....

 

[Jackieallen]

@TraumaPatient thank you for your response - I’m so sorry you struggle with such extreme anxiety! I’m just trying to surround myself with stories of success when it comes to IV sedation. I know it’s used thousands of times a year here in the US for wisdom tooth removals, and sedation dentistry is more common place now for other work as well. I’m glad you’ve found a way to get your treatments done - I’m looking forward to being able to be on the other side of all of this too!

Mrs Murray

Iv sedation is amazing drip in and your out ....no memory of the procedure at all. Dont get anxious I couldnt recommended more honestly its fabulous. Another point is the administrator is highly qualified same as a anesthetic. I promise you'll be back on the 4th and be so happy and delighted .