Dental Sedation

For more complex procedures or particularly nervous patients, we offer IV (intravenous) sedation. Medication that administrated intravenously through the veins via a tiny needle, which is usually placed in the back of your hand or within your inner elbow.

 

It is designed to make you feel pleasantly relaxed and comfortable.

 

You will not be asleep and will still be able to respond to verbal cues from your dentist. Most patients remember little or nothing of their appointment by the next day. It takes longer to wear off, so you will need someone to take you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (IV Sedation)

What Is Intravenous Sedation?

Intravenous or IV sedation is a technique used to remove anxiety during a dental visit. A small cannula is placed into a vein in your arm or back of the hand and a sedative drug administered. The sedative works very quickly and you feel instantly relaxed. The dentist who aims to make you totally relaxed whilst still being able to co-operate controls the level of sedation. The full sedative effects last for about an hour allowing a lot of dental treatment to be carried out if necessary.

Will I remember the treatment?

No. Generally you will have no recollection from the point at which the sedative is administered to the time you get home. This feature of sedation makes it excellent for people who do not wish to remember unpleasant procedures such as removal of wisdom teeth.

What happens after the treatment session?

We keep you in the dental chair as the sedative starts to wear off. Generally this takes between 15-30 minutes. We will only allow you to leave when we are happy that all is well. We will be on hand while you recover should you have any problems.

Will I feel sick afterwards?

No. Unlike a general anesthetic, there is usually no feeling of nausea afterwards. This is due to the fact that very different drugs are used. You will however have a very good nights sleep following your sedation.

My friend wants to go shopping whilst I have my treatment, is that ok?

No. The responsible adult that accompanies you MUST arrive with you and remain in our waiting room for the entire treatment and recovery afterwards. They cannot leave the building. This is a legal requirement of the laws governing Dental Treatment under IV Sedation.

Before the sedation visit

  • You can have a light meal and non-alcoholic drinks up to 2 hours before the appointment.
  • Do not consume alcoholic drinks for 24 hours before your sedation appointment.
  • Tell the dentist if you have been prescribed any new medicines or have visited a Doctor since your previous visit.
  • Take any prescription medicines as normal; the dentist will have already checked that these are compatible with the sedative used.

  • Wear FLAT heeled shoes as you will be unsteady on your feet for a couple of hours following the Sedation visit.

  • You MUST bring a responsible adult with you to the sedation visit.
  • They MUST remain here during your treatment and MUST escort you home. We will not be able to carry out the sedation treatment unless this person is actually present. It is a legal requirement that they remain in the practice during your treatment.

  • Do not wear any nail varnish or false nails as we need to place a pulse monitor that shines a light through your Wingernail during the treatment.

After the sedation visit

  • DO NOT drive a vehicle for 24 hours.
  • DO NOT operate machinery or look after small children or carry out any dangerous tasks requiring concentration for 24 hours.
  • Do not consume alcohol or sleeping tablets for 24 hours following   sedation as these may interact with the sedative that is still in your body.
  • Ensure you have a responsible adult with you for 24 hours.