IV Sedation Dentistry
IV sedation in Missoula, MT helps you feel deeply relaxed during dental treatment, making visits easier for patients with anxiety, sensitive gag reflexes, or complex procedures. You’ll remain comfortably sleepy yet responsive, with little memory afterward. It can also allow multiple treatments in one appointment, saving time.
IV Sedation at Montana Dental Arts in Missoula, MT
IV sedation is a safe, effective method used in dentistry to help patients feel deeply relaxed during treatment. Medication is delivered directly into a vein, allowing it to work quickly and be carefully adjusted throughout the procedure. While patients remain conscious and able to respond, they typically feel calm, drowsy, and unconcerned about what’s happening. IV sedation is often used for patients with dental anxiety, sensitive gag reflexes, or lengthy procedures, helping create a more comfortable, stress-free dental experience. Our team monitors you closely to ensure safety, comfort, and confidence.
Your comfort and care are our top priorities—schedule online today!
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Meet Your IV Sedation Specialist
Dr. Wilcox
Dr. Wilcox has completed sedation training in dental school at the University of Pittsburgh, during residency at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, including rotations at University Medical Center Southern Nevada and Nellis Airforce Base and sedation training through the Academy of Dental and Medical Anesthesia.
Considering Sedation Alternatives?
Montana Dental Arts offers alternatives tailored to your needs if you’re considering sedation for your dental treatment but aren’t sure IV sedation is right for you. If you have questions about the sedation alternatives offered at our practice, call us, and we’ll be happy to discuss them further.
Local Anesthesia: Also known as “novocaine,” this option involves numbing the treatment area, allowing patients to remain awake during the procedure. Many patients find themselves drifting off during treatment, and they are typically able to drive themselves home afterward.
Prescription Anxiety Medication: If you’re seeking a more relaxed experience without the need for IV sedation, a prescription pill can help take the edge off. Administered before your appointment, this medication often induces a state of relaxation, with patients sometimes falling asleep during treatment. However, they typically don’t recall the details the following day. This option requires arranging transportation to and from your appointment to ensure your safety. We can call in the prescription to your pharmacy before your treatment for added convenience.
FAQs
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Is IV sedation safe?
IV sedation is widely used in dentistry and considered very safe when provided by trained professionals. Before treatment, your dental team carefully reviews your medical history, medications, and comfort needs. During the procedure, vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels are continuously monitored. Medications are precisely dosed and adjusted as needed. Most patients remain deeply relaxed yet responsive, with quick recovery afterward. Our priority is your safety, comfort, and peace of mind at every step. We welcome questions and encourage conversations before scheduling any sedation appointment.
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Will I be unconscious during the procedure? How will I feel during treatment?
With IV sedation, you typically won’t be entirely “unconscious” like you would be with general anesthesia. Most patients enter a very relaxed, sleepy state and may drift in and out of light sleep. You’ll still be able to breathe on your own and respond to gentle prompts, but you likely won’t care about what’s happening—and many people remember little or nothing afterward. During the procedure, you should feel calm, comfortable, and anxiety-free, while our team closely monitors you for safety throughout your visit.
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How much does IV sedation cost?
Cost will depend on the duration of your unique treatment and on your dental insurance coverage. To get an estimate and discuss financing more in-depth, please contact our office today, and we will be happy to answer any questions you have!
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Do I need a driver afterwards?
If you receive IV sedation for your dental procedure, you’ll need a responsible adult to drive you home afterward. Sedation medications can leave you drowsy, unsteady, or slower to react for several hours—even if you feel “fine” right away. For your safety, you should not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions the rest of the day. Please arrange transportation in advance and have your driver stay in the office during your appointment. We’ll review aftercare instructions with you and your companion before discharge.
Want to Learn More About IV Sedation?
If you have more questions about sedation dentistry and IV sedation specifically, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further!
