IV Sedation
Easing You Through Surgery
Sedation is an important component of our patient care. It can ease the patient’s fears of surgery. We perform intravenous (IV) or conscious sedation as well as nitrous oxide sedation.
With IV sedation or twilight sleep, patients often have little recollection of the surgery. Patients who will be undergoing IV sedation must follow these instructions:
- Not to eat or drink anything for a minimum of six hours before the scheduled surgery
- Must have someone 18 years or older to drive them home
- Cannot wear fingernail polish or fake fingernails
- Wear loose-fitting clothing to facilitate monitor placement
- Cannot drive for 24 hours after IV sedation.
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, eases anxiety and allows for quicker recovery than IV sedation. The patient will inhale an anesthetic mixed with oxygen through a nasal hood. The patient cannot drive for one hour after nitrous oxide sedation.
