For patients who need a deeper level of sedation than nitrous oxide or an oral pill can provide, Lakeland Creek Family Dental now offers IV sedation and general anesthesia right here in our Merrillville office. This deeper option is provided in partnership with Quantum Anesthesia Services, a board-certified mobile anesthesia team, whose board-certified nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists come directly to our office to administer and monitor your care alongside Dr. Dankowski.
What Is IV Sedation & Dental Anesthesia?
IV sedation and general anesthesia use medication delivered through an IV line to bring you into a deep state of relaxation or a sleep-like state, depending on your needs and the procedure being performed. Unlike nitrous oxide or a pill taken beforehand, this level of sedation is administered and continuously monitored by a dedicated anesthesia professional throughout your visit.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Deeper Sedation?
This option is often the right fit for patients who:
- Experience significant dental anxiety or fear that has kept them from getting treatment
- Have a strong gag reflex or find it difficult to sit still for longer procedures
- Need extensive or complex treatment completed in fewer visits
- Have a medical condition that makes standard dental visits more difficult
- Have special needs that call for a more customized approach to care
- Have been told in the past that they'd need to be referred elsewhere for this level of sedation
This option is commonly paired with procedures such as wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, tooth extractions, and other oral surgery procedures.
What to Expect
Your first step is a consultation where we'll review your medical history, current medications, and any concerns you have. On the day of your procedure, the anesthesia team arrives ahead of time to set up and prepare, then monitors you closely from start to finish. Most patients recover within 30 to 60 minutes before heading home — you'll need someone available to drive you, since the sedation takes time to fully wear off.
Safety & Monitoring
Your safety is the top priority throughout the process. Anesthesia is administered by board-certified professionals using advanced monitoring equipment, with your vital signs tracked continuously during the procedure and through recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IV sedation safe?
Yes. It's administered and monitored by board-certified anesthesia professionals who tailor your care to your specific health history and procedure.
Will I be asleep for my procedure?
It depends on the level of sedation that's right for you. Some patients remain in a deeply relaxed state, while others are brought into a sleep-like state for the full procedure. We'll walk through what to expect during your consultation.
Do I need someone to drive me home?
Yes, you'll need a ride home and should plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
Can I get this care here instead of being referred to another office?
In many cases, yes. That's the goal of this partnership — to help more patients get the level of care they need without leaving our office.
Schedule a Sedation Consultation
If dental anxiety, a complex treatment plan, or a past referral has kept you from getting care, we'd like to talk with you about whether IV sedation is a good fit. Contact our office or call (219) 419-7566 to schedule a consultation.
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