4 Myths About Dental IV Sedation Debunked

When it comes to dental treatment, nothing matters more to us at Loftus Dental than your comfort and peace of mind. For over forty years, our family-owned practice has walked alongside patients in Rapid City, helping generations feel at ease in the dental chair, even those who've struggled with dental anxiety throughout their lives. One of the most powerful tools in our comfort-focused care is IV sedation. But despite its proven track record, several myths and misunderstandings still keep many people from considering this gentle, effective option.

Let’s set the record straight. Here, our comfort dentists debunk four common IV sedation myths with the real sedation facts, so you can make informed, confident decisions about your care.

Myth #1: "IV Sedation Knocks You Out Completely"

One of the most persistent IV sedation myths is that it’s the same as being put to sleep for surgery, also known as general anesthesia. This simply isn’t true.

Sedation fact:

IV sedation for dentistry, also known as “moderate conscious sedation,” is designed to keep you deeply relaxed and comfortable, but responsive.  Most patients sleep during the procedure, however, you breathe on your own and all vital signs are monitored continuously. You’ll have little to no memory of the details afterward. As we share on our IV Sedation Information Page:

“Dr. Jeff Loftus is one of the only doctors in the area certified to offer a deeper level of sedation and relaxation with IV sedation… We can adjust the level of sedation during treatment as needed for your desired relaxation. Many patients don’t remember the procedure.”

This approach lets us tailor the experience, the dosage, and depth to your individual needs, ensuring both safety and maximum comfort.

Myth #2: "IV Sedation Is Only for Major Surgeries or Extreme Fear"

Some patients believe sedation dentistry is only for complex surgeries or for those whose dental anxiety is extreme. The reality is, IV sedation is incredibly versatile and helpful for a wide range of patients and procedures.

Sedation fact:

At Loftus Dental, we offer IV sedation for many situations, including:

• Patients with any degree of dental anxiety, from mild to severe
• Those with a history of traumatic dental visits
• People who are especially sensitive to sights, sounds, or smells at the dentist
• Individuals who have a strong gag reflex, trouble getting numb, or unique medical needs
• Long or complex dental treatments where comfort is a priority

As one of the only practices in Rapid City with the advanced certification to deliver IV sedation, our team works closely with you to determine if it’s the right choice. We've helped countless patients of all ages, backgrounds, and needs rediscover dental care as a gentle, relaxing experience. (You can read authentic patient reviews to see how this has transformed dental visits for others.)

Myth #3: "Dental IV Sedation Isn't Safe"

Safety is always at the forefront when discussing sedation dentistry, so it’s natural to have concerns. However, when administered by highly trained professionals and under proper monitoring, IV sedation is not only safe but can actually make your dental visit safer by reducing stress-related health risks.

Sedation fact:

Dr. Jeff Loftus has completed rigorous training and is among the few in the region certified to deliver IV sedation. During your procedure, advanced monitors keep constant track of your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. We also use state-of-the-art technologies at both our Rapid City offices to ensure your well-being from start to finish.

Clinical studies and dental industry organizations, such as the American Dental Association, confirm the safety of IV sedation when supervised properly. Most patients experience only short-term drowsiness after their visit, with no ventilators or overnight stays required. In fact, we explain:

“Administered by trained professionals like Dr. Jeff Loftus, IV sedation has been proven to be safe and effective for dental treatment. Without sedation, the patient’s blood pressure tends to rise. With sedation, studies show that treatment becomes safer by reducing blood pressure during the procedure.”

It’s a comfortable and reliable way to make dental care accessible for everyone.

Myth #4: "You Can’t Control What Happens During IV Sedation"

IV sedation has a remarkable “amnesia effect.” You may recall little to nothing of the procedure itself, a relief for many patients, especially those with previous dental trauma or anxiety. This gentle approach helps you reclaim your smile and your confidence, without fear or stress.

As we often remind new patients:

“We believe a trip to the dentist can be a relaxing experience… Your comfort is our priority. Gentle treatment with compassionate care leads to happy patients.” (Learn more about our patient-first approach.)

Address Your IV Sedation Questions with Loftus Dental—Your Comfort Dentist in Rapid City

At Loftus Dental, our deep-rooted commitment to integrity, compassion, and innovative care has helped generations of Black Hills families overcome dental fear and regain their health. If you’re interested in IV sedation or want reliable information on dental sedation, please contact our caring team for a personalized consultation. We’ll listen closely, answer every question, and help you explore your sedation dentistry options so you can finally smile easily.

Ready to experience comfort-focused dentistry?

Request your gentle visit with Loftus Dental’s expert team in Rapid City.

Let’s replace fear and myths with facts and comfort, one smile at a time.