IV Sedation Pre-Operative Instructions

IV sedation allows you to undergo dental treatment in a relaxed, comfortable state while remaining responsive. The sedation medications are administered through a small IV placed in your arm or hand. Because these medications suppress protective reflexes and affect judgment for hours after the appointment, specific preparation steps are required for your safety. Failing to follow these instructions can result in your appointment being cancelled and rescheduled -- or more importantly, put your health at risk.

48 Hours Before Your Appointment

• Confirm your escort and driver. A responsible adult must drive you to the appointment, remain at our office for the duration of the procedure, and drive you home. This person cannot wait in a car outside or drop you off -- they need to be present in the waiting room in case they are needed. Rideshares, taxis, and public transportation are not acceptable alternatives. Confirm this arrangement now -- do not assume it is handled.
• Review your medications with our team. If you were not asked about your current medications during your consultation, call us. Certain blood thinners, blood pressure medications, diabetic medications, and supplements interact with sedation drugs. Our team will advise you specifically on which to take and which to hold on the day of your appointment.
• No alcohol for 24 to 48 hours before your appointment. Alcohol interacts with sedation medications, alters how your body metabolizes them, and significantly increases risk during administration. This is not negotiable.
• No recreational drugs or cannabis for 48 hours before. Cannabis and other substances affect the predictability of sedation dosing and can interfere with monitoring equipment. Disclose all substance use honestly at your consultation -- it helps us keep you safe, not judge your choices.

Morning of Your Appointment

• Nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours before your scheduled appointment time. This means no food, no juice, no coffee, no milk, no gum, and no mints. A small sip of water to take necessary medications is the only exception. This requirement exists because sedation drugs suppress the gag reflex -- if your stomach is not empty and you vomit during sedation, there is a serious risk of aspiration (inhaling stomach contents into your lungs).
• Take your regular morning medications with a small sip of water, unless our team has specifically told you to hold a medication. If you are unsure about a specific medication, call us before the appointment -- do not skip it without guidance.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Short sleeves or sleeves that roll easily to the elbow are required for IV placement. Avoid tight or constricting sleeves, compression garments on your arms, or anything with elaborate fastenings.
• Remove nail polish from at least one finger. We use a pulse oximeter clipped to your finger to monitor blood oxygen levels during sedation. Clear nail polish is acceptable, but opaque or gel polish on all fingers can interfere with accurate readings.
• Leave valuables at home. You will be in a relaxed state during treatment -- jewelry, watches, and other valuables are best left at home.
• Bring a list of all current medications. Include prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. If you already provided this at your consultation, bring it again in case anything has changed.
• Arrive at your scheduled time. Arriving late compresses the pre-operative evaluation window, which may require us to postpone your treatment.

What to Expect at the Appointment

• Pre-operative review: Before any medication is given, our team will review your medical history, confirm your medications, check your blood pressure and heart rate, and answer any questions. This is your opportunity to raise any concerns.
• IV placement: A small catheter is placed in a vein, typically on the back of the hand or the inside of the elbow. Most patients describe this as a brief pinch. Sedation medication is administered through the IV once you are ready.
• Monitoring throughout: Your blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels are monitored continuously during the procedure.
• Recovery: You will rest in the treatment chair until you are alert enough to be safely transferred to a recovery area. Your escort will be brought in when you are ready to leave. Most patients are ready to go within 20 to 45 minutes of the procedure concluding.

After Your Appointment -- 24-Hour Restrictions

• Do not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after IV sedation, even if you feel fully alert. Sedation medications impair judgment and reaction time in ways patients do not always perceive themselves.
• Do not make important decisions for the remainder of the day -- no signing legal documents, no financial decisions, no significant work communications.
• Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours after sedation.
• Rest at home for the remainder of the day. You may feel groggy, lightheaded, or emotionally variable -- all of this is normal and resolves by the following morning for most patients.
• Eat lightly when you feel ready. Start with soft, bland foods. Nausea is uncommon but possible -- if it occurs, small amounts of clear liquids and crackers usually help.

Questions about your preparation? Call Smile Science Dental Spa at (480) 530-3663. We are happy to walk through any of these instructions with you before your appointment.