Sedation

Dental sedation is an option for those who suffer with high amounts of fear, nervousness or anxiety about dental treatments. 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. While there is no upper age limit for dental sedation, a patient must be at least 18 years of age for IV Sedation, and Nitrous Oxide Sedation is available from approximately the age of 6 years old, based on suitability assessment at the consultation. Each patient’s suitability will be carefully assessed, taking into consideration their medical history.

Dental sedation is very safe. Before booking a treatment with sedation, patients must attend a consultation appointment. Your dentist 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.

Before your dental sedation, you should not:

• 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.
• Have a light, non fatty meal (for example, toast).
• 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.

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.

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.

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.