Before Conscious IV Sedation was used in Biological Dentistry, there was no other choice but to have the patient come into the office as many as 5 to 6 times for treatment.
According to Dr. Hal Huggins, a pioneer researcher of Biological Dentistry, IV sedation is the best approach for the patients' welfare because doing the procedures in one day did not interfere with the 7-14-21 day cycle of the immune system. After years of study, this new approach was introduced as it allowed for faster recuperation, excellent detoxification and most importantly was less stressful for the patient.
IV Sedation is performed by a licensed anesthesiologist (M.D). In my dental practise we use one of the "newer" agents called MIDAZOLAM. The risk is minimal with the heart rate and blood pressure being monitored throughout the procedure.
IV sedation can last anywhere from 3 to 6 hours depending on the amount of work required, but the patient will insist that it has only been an hour or less. The patient does not go under; they can talk, use the restroom, and interact and participate throughout the procedure. Some of our patients even drive home after their treatment although we recommend that the patient bring a friend or spouse with them.
As part of the treatment, our office requires that the patient have a full one hour massage to remove stress prior to sedation and a foot reflexology treatment afterwards.