Are you a Nervous Patient?
Dealing with nervousness and anxiety when facing a dental visit is very common. Each person experiences dental anxiety in different ways. If you are an anxious dental patient, however, there are many strategies that can help you to cope.
Dr Chris Ford, general dentist at Northumberland Dental Care, has particular expertise in dental sedation and pain management. Dr Ford works alongside Professor Michael Carey, Anaesthetist, to provide sedation to patients of our practice.
Below, Dr Ford has answered your most frequently asked questions about sedation for nervous patients.
Am I suitable for dental sedation?
Dental sedation is an option for those who suffer with high amounts of fear, nervousness or anxiety about dental treatments. Dr Chris Ford provides intravenous sedation for adults aged 15 – 65 who are fit and well. This can be used for treatments such as simple extractions, surgical extractions, restorations and cleanings. While there is no specific treatment that requires dental sedation, you may want to avail of the option if you do experience anxiety when undergoing dental treatment. It all depends on your wants and needs as a patient.
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 is administered. The sedative works very quickly and you feel instantly relaxed. The full sedative effects last for about an hour which allows plenty of time to carry out your dental treatments.
Will I remember the treatment?
No. In general, you will have no recollection from the point at which the sedative is administered to the time you get home.
How safe is dental sedation?
Dental sedation is very safe. Before booking a treatment with sedation, patients must attend a consultation appointment with Dr Ford. He will discuss your medical history with you before administering it to make sure that you do not have any conditions which could make it an issue.
What do I need to do before sedation?
Before your dental sedation, you should not:
- Consume food or drink 2 hours before the appointment.
- Consume alcohol 24 hours before the appointment
Before your dental sedation, you can:
- Take any prescription medicines as normal; the dentist will have already checked that these are compatible with the sedative used.
Is there anything I need to prepare coming into the appointment?
You should wear flat heeled shoes coming to the appointment as you will be unsteady on your feet for a couple of hours following the sedation visit. You should also not wear any nail varnish or false nails as we need to place a pulse monitor on your finger that shines a light through your fingernail during the treatment.
Do I need to have somebody with me?
Yes. You must bring a responsible adult with you to the sedation visit. They must remain in the practice during your treatment and must escort you home. We will not be able to
carry out the sedation treatment unless this person is present. This is a legal requirement of the laws governing Dental Treatment under IV Sedation.
What do I need to do after sedation?
After your treatment, it is important that you:
- Have a responsible adult with you for 24 hours
- Do not drive a vehicle for 24 hours.
- Do not operate machinery
- Do not look after small children
- Do not carry out any dangerous tasks requiring concentration for 24 hours
- Do not consume alcohol or sleeping tablets for 24 hours
We will keep you in our waiting room or in the dental chair as the sedative starts to wear off. Generally this only takes between 15-30 minutes.
Will I feel sick afterwards?
No. Unlike a general anaesthetic, there is usually no feeling of nausea afterwards. This is due to the fact that very different drugs are used. However, you will have a very good night’s sleep following your sedation.
If you would like to contact us or book an appointment online.
