IV Sedation

Dental anxiety affects millions of Americans and keeps many of us from getting the care we need.

Dr. Gregory E. Anderson offers IV sedation to help patients remain relaxed and comfortable during appointments.

Learn how sedation dentistry at our practice in Garland and Logan, UT, can reduce anxiety and improve the overall patient experience.

What Is IV Sedation?

Intravenous (IV) sedation involves administering anti-anxiety medication directly into the patient's bloodstream to promote fast, effective levels of sedation that can be monitored and controlled throughout the procedure. Unlike oral sedation or nitrous oxide, IV sedation dentistry is a deep level of sedation that leaves most patients with little memory of the procedure.

The medication is inserted through a needle directly into the bloodstream. Where other sedation methods may take an hour for patients to experience relaxing sensations, IV sedation works within minutes.

  • Deep Relaxation

    This type of anesthesia is referred to as conscious sedation, and induces deep relaxation. Patients typically fall asleep quickly and do not wake up until their appointment is over.

  • Fast & Effective

    Oral medications can take an hour or longer to reach the brain. During IV sedation, the sedative is delivered directly to the bloodstream, so patients feel the effects within minutes.

  • Optimal Control

    With IV sedation, your dentist controls exactly how much medication you receive during your procedure. Dosage can be increased or decreased as necessary to achieve optimal relaxation.

  • Improved Oral Health

    Sedation allows your dentist to perform treatments that are vital to your oral health. Oftentimes this means completing multiple procedures in a single day, reducing your time in the dental chair.

Is IV Sedation a Good Fit for You?

Intravenous sedation is not for everyone. During a consultation at our Garland or Logan, UT, oral surgery offices, it is important to tell your dentist about any medications you are currently taking. We will also review your medical history in detail to ensure there are no contraindications to treatment. This type of sedation may be right for you if you have:

  • Dental Anxiety
  • Complex Dental Issues
  • Severe Gag Reflex
  • Sensitive Teeth
  • History of Bad Dental Experiences
  • Difficulty Controlling Movements
Older woman clutching jaw in pain

Are You a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

You don't have to undergo a specific oral procedure to receive IV sedation. If you request IV sedation, our dentist will review your medical history to ensure it is right for you. Though IV sedation is safe for most patients, there are some factors that can prevent you from receiving IV sedation:

To undergo dental sedation, you must...

  • Be in good health

  • Not be pregnant

  • Have no history of bad reactions to intended sedative

  • Our dentist will review your medical records before treatment and monitor your condition throughout your appointment to ensure a safe and effective dental procedure. Medication can be stopped at any time during treatment and reversal drugs are available in the rare case that the patient has an allergic reaction.

Interested in IV Sedation? Request an Appointment

IV sedation can be a great way to calm nerves and make your time in the dental chair more relaxing. If you aren't sure if you qualify or are interested in learning more about sedation dentistry, contact our Logan or Garland, UT, dentistry offices to learn more.

Dr. Anderson has been a board-certified oral surgeon in practice for 24 years. Patients have turned to Dr. Anderson to help correct their dental concerns because he takes the time and energy to be available to patients as much as he can. Trusted and highly reviewed, Dr. Anderson uses dental care techniques that allow for minimal surgical intervention in order to provide optimal comfort to all patients.

Ready to take the first step? Request a consultation at our Logan or Garland, UT, dentistry offices by calling:

(435) 755-5000

"I felt exceedingly well-cared for." Read Our 5-Star Reviews

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Tiffany Lanning

Logan, UT

2023

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My previous dentist failed to find/notify me of a dental ulcer sitting above a root canal. Dr. Andersons team has been great in helping with the extraction, addressing any concerns, and ensuring I have the best possible outcome with the implant experience. Highly recommend Dr. Anderson and his team.

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Linda Bradak

Logan, UT

2023

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I felt exceedingly well cared for by Dr. Anderson and his staff. Though this immediate post-op period isn't fun, I am confident that all will be "blue skies and green lights" again soon.

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How IV Sedation Works

IV Drip
Before beginning your procedure, your dentist places an IV, usually in your arm or hand. Next, anti-anxiety medications are administered. A member of your dental team assesses your oxygen, heart rate, and blood pressure throughout your dental visit.

How Will I Feel?

​Sedation dentistry makes you feel relaxed and at ease. You will become less aware of what is going on around you and may fall asleep. However, you will still be able to communicate with your dentist if necessary.

How Should I Plan?

The sedatives used during intravenous, or IV, sedation temporarily affect cognitive abilities and motor function. For this reason, patients should have a responsible friend or family member drive them to and from our Logan or Garland offices.

Hear From More of Our Patients

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Rebecca McGarry

Logan, UT

2023

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Greg is so knowledgeable and skilled. He's an excellent surgeon. He has completed many procedures for myself and my family. Highly recommended!

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Sadie Sessions

Logan, UT

2023

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Dr. Anderson and staff were so nice and helpful! They were efficient but thorough for the exam and were able to answer all my questions. I would definitely recommend their office to friends and family!

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Not Everyone Will Qualify

Sedation and general anesthesia aren't suitable for everyone. However, some factors will influence who can have sedation treatment. We offer a wide range of sedation and anesthesia options to appeal to a vast pool of patients. 

Anesthetics and sedatives always carry a certain amount of risk. However, the following factors increase your risk:

  • You have never taken the intended sedative

  • You are obese

  • You have obstructive sleep apnea

  • You are prone to serotonin syndrome

  • Our oral surgeon will review your medical records and ensure sedation or anesthesia is safe for you before administering medication.  



















 

Additional Treatment Methods Offered

While IV sedation is a popular sedation dentistry method, we understand that some patients may prefer a lighter form of sedation or a stronger treatment option. We offer other pain management and sedation dentistry methods to meet every need:

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas, is a lighter form of sedation that allows patients to drive themselves home within 15 minutes following the procedure. The nitrous oxide anti-anxiety medication is administered in gas form through a mask placed over the patient's nose.

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is applied to the mouth to numb pain for a virtually painless procedure. Local anesthesia can be used on its own, or paired with IV sedation or nitrous oxide. These sedation methods relax your mind but do not numb the body; when paired with local anesthesia, treatment is both relaxing and virtually pain-free. Local anesthesia is not necessary if a patient chooses general anesthesia.

General Anesthesia

We offer general anesthesia for patients who want to be unconscious during their procedure. A breathing tube will be inserted, and your condition will be closely monitored. With general anesthesia, there is no need for numbing the treatment site as the whole body will feel numb.  

We Take Emergencies Seriously & Can Help Relieve Your Pain

"Was extremely lucky that I found Dr. Anderson. I had a severe tooth infection, Was extremely worried that my face was swelling more and more by the day and was worried that I wouldn't be able to find anyone before the weekend. I got a hold of Dr. Anderson on his emergency number, and he went out of his way to promptly meet me at his Logan office and perform an emergency surgery to relieve my severely swollen face from the swelling from the infection. It was the worst pain I've ever felt, but Dr. Anderson saved my butt, and was extremely pleasant to work with, easy to talk to, and very kind. Thank you Dr. Anderson! Would be happy to come back to you anytime!" David James

IV Sedation vs. General Anesthesia

During general anesthesia in a hospital setting, patients are intubated. Because IV sedation is a type of conscious sedation, you can breathe on your own during treatment, making it a safer choice for most patients undergoing dentistry treatments.

Nervous About a Dental Procedure? Request an Appointment

Dr. Anderson offers treatment solutions for any age in an environment suited to accommodate patients with disabilities. Significant dental procedures like implant surgery can feel foreign and scary, but IV sedation can help calm nerves and make the procedure a relaxing experience. With IV sedation, most patients won't even remember the procedure once the flow of medicine stops.

Take treatment into your own hands with IV sedation. Call our dentistry office to request an appointment and see what IV sedation can do for you:

(435) 755-5000

We're Committed to a Pain-Free Experience More 5-Star Reviews From Logan, UT, Patients

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Mindy Jorgensen

Logan, UT

2023

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Dr. Anderson is amazing. Thank you for your extra care given with my daughter for her wisdom teeth extraction.

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Valerie Sharples

Logan, UT

2023

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They were really good and made sure i was comfortable with no pain

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Step-by-Step Breakdown of Sedation Dentistry

Here’s what you can expect when you undergo dental work at our Logan or Garland practice with the use of sedation:

Initial Consultation

Upon your first visit with us, we will discuss all of the sedation options available to you. We’ll learn a bit about your medical history and consider the type of dental procedure you’ll be getting to recommend a safe, effective method of sedation.

Preparation (Oral Conscious)

If you are receiving oral conscious sedation, Dr. Anderson will prescribe medications for you to pick up before your procedure appointment. Make sure to follow the instructed dose of the pill before coming into the office. Once you’re in the chair, you may receive another dose.

In-Office Sedative Administration

We administer nitrous oxide, IV sedation, or general anesthesia in our Logan or Garland office before beginning your procedure. Depending on your sedation, you’ll either be fitted with a mask that delivers a steady flow of laughing gas or you’ll get an intravenous line connected to a supply of medication.

Effects and Procedure

You’ll start to relax and may begin to feel slightly drowsy as the medications enter your bloodstream. IV sedation can cause you to enter a pleasant twilight sleep, which means you’re still awake and able to communicate with your treatment team but feel entirely comfortable.

Our team will closely monitor your status throughout the entire procedure to ensure the proper levels of medication.

After the Procedure

As the drugs wear off, you may have little to no memory of your dental procedure. It can take time for the effects to completely subside, which is why your dentist will instruct before treatment that you should have a trusted friend or family member drive you home if you receive any sedation other than nitrous oxide.

What to Do After Sedation

We’ve outlined a few tips to help you feel as normal as quickly — and safely — as possible after dental sedation.

Give Yourself a Day Off

If you received nitrous oxide, you can resume normal activities once you leave our office. However, if you receive oral or IV sedatives, you’ll want to wait at least one full day before going back to work or school. Our team will provide more specific timelines depending on your dosage.

Mind Your Activity Levels

As the medication wears off, you’ll want to take it easy, especially if you have extensive dental work done. It’s good to engage in some mild physical activity, such as walking, to get your blood pumping, but you’ll want to take a break from playing sports or heavy lifting for a day or so.

Don’t Be Afraid to Call Our Practice

We’ll brief you on what to expect after your sedation and surgery, but if you run into side effects you need additional information about managing, we encourage you to get in contact with us. We’re here to help you feel as comfortable as possible — even after you leave our facility.

Put Your Health First Reach Out to Our Oral Surgeon Today

There can be many reasons we delay dental care–anxiety, a busy schedule, concerns over cost. But did you know caring for your smile today can reduce stress and pain, cut down on appointments in the future, and avoid the need for more complex, expensive treatment? Reach out to our office to take hold of your oral health and get started.

Cost of IV Sedation

Our dentistry offices in Logan and Garland, UT, charge $115 for every 15 minutes of IV sedation. To put this into perspective, an average wisdom teeth extraction is about 45 minutes long. Our fees are 20-25% less than surrounding offices, making our practice an affordable choice. Along with these lower fees, to make dental care affordable we offer:

Insurance

Our dentistry offices in Logan and Garland, UT, accept most insurances, which may cover the cost of IV sedation on appropriate procedures. Some insurances will not deem IV sedation necessary for certain procedures, leading to an out-of-pocket cost.

Financing

We offer both in-house financing and financing through CareCredit®. If you don't have insurance or if your insurance doesn't cover IV sedation for your procedure, both of these financing options can help make sedation affordable via monthly payment plans.  

Medicaid

Our offices in Logan and Garland, UT, also accept Medicaid. For Medicaid, we ask for 20% down at the time of the procedure, and monthly payments after. If the balance is paid every month, no service or collection fee is applied.

"I received the greatest care here." Patients Love Our Offices in Logan and Garland

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Jordan Donavan

Logan, UT

2023

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Just so efficient and professional staff was amazing and had two extractions and did in such a timely manner I recommend Dr Anderson anytime for reliable service and great customer service .

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Deven Ferlin

Logan, UT

2023

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I received the greatest care and service here with Dr. Anderson. His team of nurses and the doctor himself was very forthcoming with everything they were going to do and attentive to every concern and need I had. Highly recommend for dental work.

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FAQs About Sedation Dentistry

Can pediatric dental patients undergo sedation?

Sedation dentistry is safe and effective for young children's dental care. As a father of eight, Dr. Anderson values helping patients of all ages receive care without fear, whether that means a friendly chairside manner or extra help from sedation dentistry. Dr. Anderson will discuss pediatric sedation with you in detail to ensure it is the right choice for you and your child. 

Will I need to fast beforehand?

Fasting is only necessary if you're undergoing deeper levels of sedation. Nitrous oxide, for example, doesn't require any changes to your eating habits. Our team will make sure to carefully cover instructions for your specific procedure in the days beforehand.

Are you completely asleep during sedation dentistry?

Whether or not you fall asleep under the effects of sedation will depend on the type and amount you receive. Typically, patients who receive IV sedation will fall asleep, whereas with nitrous oxide and oral sedation, you'll still be able to interact with our team.

If I'm not asleep, what does sedation feel like?

People react differently to dental sedation. Of course, the primary effects are that you will feel more calm and relaxed. You might feel light-headed, euphoric, or not be able to stop laughing. Many people also feel emotional after their procedure or clumsy and slow. Unless you receive nitrous oxide, which dissipates quickly, plan on taking the rest of the day off to allow yourself to rest.

Dr. Gregory E. Anderson PC

Gregory E. Anderson PC

Dr. Anderson is an oral and maxillofacial plastic and reconstructive surgeon whose qualifications include:

  • Board certification by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Graduated magna cum laude from the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry
  • Diplomate of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

He is dedicated to helping patients in Logan, Garland, and surrounding areas overcome facial pain, injuries, and other conditions to improve your quality of life. Learn more about the specialized treatment he can provide by contacting our office online or calling (435) 755-5000.

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