IV Sedation for Dental Implants in Calgary

Yes, IV sedation is very safe when administered by trained professionals. At SmileNow, a trained sedation team monitors your vitals continuously throughout the procedure, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. Emergency reversal agents are always available. We conduct a thorough medical history review before any sedation to ensure it is appropriate for you.

IV sedation keeps you in a semi-conscious state, often called "twilight sedation" or "conscious sedation." You can respond if spoken to, but you will be deeply relaxed and will have little to no memory of the procedure afterward. You breathe on your own and maintain your own airway throughout.

The effects of IV sedation typically last for the duration of your procedure, plus a short recovery period afterward. Most patients spend 20-30 minutes in recovery before they feel alert enough to go home. However, the sedative effects can linger for several hours, which is why you need someone to drive you home. Most patients feel completely normal by the next day.

You will typically need to fast for 6 hours before IV sedation. This means no food or liquids (including water) for 6 hours prior to your appointment. We will provide you with specific fasting instructions during your pre-op consultation based on your procedure time and medical history. It is important to follow these instructions exactly for your safety.

Yes, absolutely. You cannot drive for at least 24 hours after IV sedation. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home and, ideally, stay with you for the first few hours. For your safety, we will not release you after sedation unless you have arranged appropriate transportation with a companion.

No, you will not feel pain during the procedure. IV sedation creates a deeply relaxed state where you are unaware of what is happening. We also use local anesthesia to numb the treatment area, so you will not feel any drilling or instruments. Most patients report feeling nothing at all and have no memory of the procedure.

Yes, IV sedation is available for all implant procedures at SmileNow, including All-on-4, 3-on-6, and full mouth restorations. In fact, these lengthy procedures (2-4 hours) are exactly when IV sedation is most beneficial. It allows complex, multi-hour appointments to feel like minutes, making it possible to complete extensive work in a single comfortable visit.

Most patients can return to work the day after IV sedation. You will need to rest for the remainder of the day following your procedure. Do not operate heavy machinery, make important decisions, or sign legal documents for 24 hours. By the next morning, the sedative effects have typically worn off completely, and most people feel normal and can resume regular activities.