Sedation

Sedation is an ideal way of helping you to relax if you are nervous about dental treatment or you are having a procedure which may cause discomfort or distress. While under IV sedation, you will feel deeply relaxed but you will still be able to understand and respond to requests from the dentist. You will be unaware of the operation and this form of treatment is ideal for patients who wish to avoid the noise and vibration of the drill.

      Are there any risks?

      Sedation is extremely safe when it is administered by a specially trained dentist.

      Sedation has four main effects:

      • It will reduce your anxiety and make you feel relaxed
      • It will make you feel sleepy
      • It will make you unaware of the procedure
      • It will result in partial or total loss of memory of the procedure

      If for some reason the sedation does not make you feel relaxed and sleepy we are able to stop the sedation by giving the reversal drug.

        Do I need to prepare for sedation?

        • Take your routine medicines at the usual times
        • Have only light meals and non-alcoholic drinks on the day of your appointment and nothing for 2 hours before surgery
        • Bring a responsible adult with you

        This escort must be over the age of 18 years, able-bodied and personally known to you. They must arrive and remain in the building with you. They must be able to escort you home and care for you for the rest of the day. Do not bring you children with you to your appointment.

        Details of your treatment will be given to your escort. They will be required to sign to say they will be responsible for your post-operative care. This will include specific immediate post-operative instructions.


          What happens during Intravenous (IV) Sedation?

          An extremely thin Teflon lined tube (cannula) will be put into a vein either in one of your arms or in the back of one of your hands. A drug will then be injected which will quickly make you feel sleepy and relaxed. Throughout the procedure you will have a gadget clipped to your finger to measure your pulse and oxygen levels. Your blood pressure will be checked before, during and after the procedure.

            What happens during oral sedation?

            You will be given the sedative either as a drink, or in tablet form. The sedative takes about an hour to take affect. You will stay with your escort in the clinic where you will be monitored until you feel sleepy and relaxed. When you feel ready we will start the dental treatment. We will place a small cannula in the back of your hand or in your arm and you will have a gadget clipped to your finger to measure your pulse and oxygen levels. Your blood pressure will be measured before, during and after your treatment.

                Ready to see one of our team?

                If you'd like to find out more about our range of treatments, why not enquire about an appointment with our friendly team.