Intravenous (IV) Conscious Sedation
Intravenous sedation involves the administration of medicines directly into a vein. With this, a safe and effective level of anesthesia can be achieved and maintained throughout a periodontal procedure. While under sedation, monitoring devices will be attached to the patient that will monitor the heart rate, blood pressure and pulse. Patients experience a relaxed state of consciousness that leaves them with a degree of amnesia that results in little or no memory of the procedure carried out. It is important to remember that patients are unable to eat anything for a minimum of eight hours prior to being intravenously sedated. In addition, a driver will need to be present to take the patient home following the procedure.

Oral Sedation
Oral sedation requires the patient to take a combination of pills one to two hours prior to their appointment which will then provide a level of relaxation and amnesia similar to that achieved with intravenous sedation. While under sedation, monitoring devices will be attached to the patient that will monitor the heart rate, blood pressure and pulse. Since the medication is taken prior to the appointment, a driver is required to accompany the patient to and from the office.