by Rana Baroudi
Dr. Baroudi is a Board Certified Periodontist. She has successfully passed the American Board of Periodontology oral and written examinations covering all phases of periodontal disease, its treatment and dental implants. She is also an Associate Clinical Professor of Periodontology at UCSF where she enjoys teaching and lecturing on a bi-monthly basis.
Learn MoreDental anxiety affects millions of people and is one of the most common reasons patients delay or avoid necessary dental care. While some individuals experience mild nervousness, others feel overwhelming fear that makes even routine dental visits stressful or impossible. Over time, avoiding care can lead to worsening oral health, more complex procedures, and unnecessary discomfort.
At Cambrian Periodontics and Dental Implants, IV sedation dentistry provides a safe, effective, and proven solution for patients struggling with dental anxiety. By using IV dental sedation, patients can remain calm, relaxed, and comfortable throughout treatment—making even advanced periodontal procedures a far more positive experience.
Dental anxiety can develop for many reasons, including negative past experiences, fear of pain, sensitivity to sounds or smells, a strong gag reflex, or fear of losing control during treatment. For patients who require periodontal therapy, dental implants, or surgical procedures, anxiety can be even more intense due to the length and complexity of care.
Unfortunately, delaying treatment because of fear often leads to:
This cycle of anxiety and avoidance is exactly what IV sedation dentistry is designed to break.
IV sedation, or intravenous sedation, involves administering medication directly into the bloodstream through a small IV line. This method allows the sedative to take effect quickly and provides precise control over the level of relaxation throughout the procedure.
Unlike oral sedation or nitrous oxide, IV dental sedation produces a deeper state of calm. Patients remain conscious and responsive but feel deeply relaxed, detached from their surroundings, and unconcerned about the procedure being performed. Many patients have little to no memory of their treatment afterward.
One of the greatest advantages of IV sedation dentistry is the level of relaxation it provides without the risks or recovery time associated with general anesthesia. Patients are not fully unconscious, but their anxiety is effectively eliminated, allowing treatment to proceed smoothly.
Because IV sedation works quickly, patients do not have to endure prolonged anxiety before their procedure begins. Within minutes, the medication takes effect, creating a calm, peaceful state that lasts throughout treatment. Even better, the sedation level can be adjusted in real time, ensuring patients remain comfortable from start to finish.
For many patients with dental anxiety, fear is not only about discomfort—it is also about the experience itself. IV sedation helps by significantly reducing awareness of the procedure. Patients often describe feeling as though time passed very quickly or as if they slept through the appointment.
This amnesic effect is one of the reasons IV dental sedation is especially beneficial for anxious patients. When the memory of fear is removed, future dental visits become much easier to manage, helping patients maintain consistent oral care over time.
IV sedation is particularly well suited for periodontal treatments and oral surgery, including:
These treatments often require extended time in the dental chair. With IV sedation dentistry, patients remain relaxed throughout the entire procedure, allowing Dr. Baroudi to work efficiently and precisely while minimizing patient discomfort.
In many cases, multiple procedures can be completed in a single visit, reducing the total number of appointments needed and limiting overall stress.
Dental anxiety frequently causes muscle tension, jaw stiffness, and an exaggerated gag reflex. These reactions can make treatment uncomfortable and more difficult to perform.
IV sedation helps by relaxing the muscles and calming the nervous system. Patients experience:
This creates a better experience for both the patient and the provider, resulting in smoother treatment and more predictable outcomes.
Safety is a top priority at Dr. Rana Baroudi’s practice. IV dental sedation is administered by trained professionals and closely monitored throughout the procedure.
During sedation, patients’ vital signs—including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels—are continuously observed. Before treatment, Dr. Baroudi conducts a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical history to ensure IV sedation is a safe and appropriate option.
When performed by experienced providers in a controlled clinical environment, IV sedation has an excellent safety record.
IV sedation may be an excellent option for patients who:
Dr. Baroudi carefully evaluates each patient to determine whether IV sedation dentistry is the most appropriate approach based on their needs and overall health.
Dental anxiety should never prevent patients from receiving the care they need. Modern IV dental sedation allows even the most anxious individuals to undergo periodontal and surgical treatment in a calm, stress-free environment.
Dr. Rana Baroudi combines advanced periodontal expertise with compassionate, patient-centered care. By offering IV sedation, she helps patients overcome fear, protect their oral health, and experience dentistry in a way that feels comfortable and manageable.
For patients who have delayed care due to anxiety, IV sedation can be a life-changing solution—transforming dental visits from a source of fear into a calm and controlled experience.
