A doctor administering IV sedation

IV Sedation

According to the American Dental Association, 22 percent of adults avoid the dentist due to anxiety.

Putting off necessary dental procedures can have a significant negative impact on your overall oral health.

At Dr. Danny O'Keefe's Jackson, MS-area practice, we offer IV sedation to help patients stay comfortable during treatment.

What Is IV Sedation?

IV sedation at Family Dental Care involves administering a sedative medication via the bloodstream. Sometimes referred to as "twilight sleep", this type of anesthesia does not actually put you to sleep or render you unconscious.

This option helps induce relaxation so individuals can stay comfortable during their dental appointment or treatment.

Unlike general anesthesia, this type of sedation dentistry allows patients to communicate with our dentists. However, once the appointment is over, most individuals do not recall most of the procedure.

A patient undergoing IV sedation

IV Sedation Puts Even the Greatest Concerns to Rest

Meet Dr. Lee Herring, one of the ten board-certified anesthesiologists on hand to provide intravenous sedation at our Flowood, MS, practice. By offering this deep level of sedation, we can provide comfortable and stress-free care to patients with the widest range of needs–even serious dental anxiety. IV sedation also makes more complex procedures, like implant placement, easier for both the patient and the dentist.

Benefits of IV Sedation

Takes Effect Quickly

Oral sedatives often take an hour or longer to take effect. Intravenous, or IV, sedation begins to work almost immediately, which is beneficial for patients with extreme dental anxiety. Deep relaxation is quickly achieved with intravenous drugs.

Total Control

When oral medication is administered, there is less control over the effect it has on the patient or how long it lasts. With IV sedation, the doctor can constantly control the level of sedation. If the medication begins to wear off, more can be administered, with sedative effects setting in quickly.

Better Oral Health

The most important advantage of sedation dentistry is that it allows patients to undergo procedures that are critical to maintaining long-term oral health. Additionally, more treatment can be completed during one appointment. This reduces the number of necessary dental visits.

Safer than General Anesthesia

Unlike general anesthesia in a hospital setting, IV sedation keeps the patient semi-conscious. As a result, any discomfort or concerns can be relayed to our dentistry team right away.

IV Sedation vs General Anesthesia

There are certain differences between IV sedation and general anesthesia–mainly the levels of consciousness. With IV sedation, the patient can respond to the dentist and team throughout their dental treatment. With general anesthesia, the patient is completely unconscious for the procedure. However, with both forms of sedation, the patient will remain comfortable and will not remember the procedure. 

Get the Dental Care You Need Request a Consultation Today

Many patients avoid much-needed dental treatments because of anxiety, fear, or other concerns. IV sedation is a great option for many patients for a variety of reasons and is also safer than general anesthesia. No matter what your reasons for exploring sedation dentistry, our dental practice serves the greater Jackson area to help patients achieve a healthy and beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. 

Not sure if IV sedation is right for you? Request a consultation with our dentists to explore your options. Fill out our online form or call our dental office in Flowood, MS, to request an appointment. 

(601) 936-2526

Smiling sedation dentistry patient undergoing treatment

Hear Why the Greater Jackson Area Loves Our Dental Practice

1

Amber Hall

Flowood, MS

2023

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I am a very anxious person when it comes to dentists and having any work done. This dentistry clinic is by far the best practice I have ever been to. The hygienists are so kind and patient. The dentists are all extremely gentle and calming. They are a soothing and loving team. I would highly recommend this clinic to anyone, whether you are anxious or not. They are professional and have always taken great care of me and my teeth. I feel embarrassed about my anxiety, but they always manage to calm me and make me feel better. I can’t say enough about how grateful I am to have found them.

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1

Denise Hudson

Flowood, MS

2023

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After 3 years of not staying up to date with yearly cleanings I went back today. Bree was the absolute best! She was so kind and gentle and explained everything she was going to do in a way that I felt comfortable and in perfectly capable hands. Dr Belot came in after pictures and X-rays and as usual she had a smile on her face like I had never missed a beat! A plan was set in place for my dental needs and not once was I made to feel bad over not keeping my yearly cleanings. Rebecca was her usual upbeat self, putting a smile on my face, while assisting me with the financial direction best suited for my needs. I love Family Dental Care and I have never trusted another dental office with my dental care the way I do with these people. Thank you!!!

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Concerned About Costs? We Have You Covered

While our practice accepts most insurance plans, sedation is not typically covered. To help patients manage out-of-pocket costs and invest in their peace of mind, we accept CareCredit® flexible financing.

How Does IV Sedation Work?

We work with an anesthesiologist to uphold the highest standards
of patient safety.
We work with an anesthesiologist to uphold the highest standards
of patient safety.

Placement of the IV

At the beginning of your appointment, your doctor places an IV in a vein, typically in your arm or hand.

Medication Delivery

The connected tubing delivers medication directly into the bloodstream. Sedative effects take effect in just minutes.

Monitoring

During your procedure or surgery, your oxygen levels and heart rate are monitored constantly to identify any negative reactions to the anesthesia.

Getting Home Safely

Because intravenous sedation affects your cognitive ability and motor function, you will need to have a friend or family member drive you home following your procedure.

Other Sedation Options

Patients at our Flowood, MS, office, serving the greater Jackson area, can explore sedation for all types of dental procedures. In addition to IV sedation, we also offer nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation.

Nitrous Oxide

This is a mild form of sedation, also known as laughing gas. Patients simply breathe in nitrous oxide to experience a relaxed state. It takes effect quickly for nearly instantaneous peace of mind. Nitrous oxide is great for short procedures like cleanings. It also wears off quickly once the mask is removed, meaning you can drive and return to your normal activities. 

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation involves your dentist prescribing an anxiety medication that you take before your treatment. Like nitrous oxide, you will remain conscious yet relaxed during your treatment. However, the effects last longer, so you will need a responsible adult to drive you to and from your treatment.

Which Sedation Option Is Best for Me?

The option that is right for you depends on your unique dental needs. Many patients find that nitrous oxide is sufficient for cleanings, but opt for IV sedation during dental implant surgery. It is important to remember that with oral conscious and IV sedation, you will need a responsible adult to drive you to and from your treatment, and you will need to wait for the effects to wear off completely before resuming your normal activities.

During your consultation at our Flowood practice, you and your dentist can explore all of the options to decide which type is best for you and your unique needs.

"I fervently recommend this office." 5-Star Reviews from Happy Patients

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Emma Peden

Flowood, MS

2023

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Dr. B is awesome! I wish I had discovered her years ago. The office staff is amazing! I fervently recommend this office for your dental care needs, especially if you have dentophobia like me.

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Brad Thornton

Flowood, MS

2023

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The friendliest and most welcoming staff. They worked me in the same day I called. Been looking for a new dentist(other dentist retired) and I have found the perfect place.

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Dr. Danny O'Keefe

Family Dental Care

At Family Dental Care in Flowood, MS, Dr. Danny O'Keefe and his experienced team provide patients from throughout the greater Jackson area with superior general, cosmetic, and restorative dental care. Our office is equipped with modern dental technology and we offer complete sedation services to enhance patient comfort. Dr. O'Keefe is affiliated with:

  • The American Dental Association
  • The Mississippi Dental Association
  • The Academy of General Dentistry
  • The American Dental Society of Anesthesiology

To schedule an appointment, please fill out our online form or call (601) 936-2526.

Contact Us Today

"This office has the most professional dentists and dental staff. They treat you like family every time you're there. I've been a patient for over 15 years and I don't plan on leaving anytime soon." Rita O., Current Patient

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