Dental Sedation
Sedation Dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. The Dentist may recommend an intravenous or ‘IV’ sedation. This is given by injection, either in the back of your hand or in you arm. The dose will depend on the amount of treatment needed and how long it will take to complete.
Prior To Treatment
Patients having a procedure under sedation must follow the current fasting guidelines for general anaesthesia. They must not eat or drink for 6 hours before their procedure, but may have water up to 2 hours before.
How will IV sedation affect me ?
You will become drowsy and are not aware of having any treatment, but you are still able to co-operate with the dentist. The effects of sedative medicine take some time to wear off, the dentist will tell you how long the drugs will take to clear from your body. You won’t be able to drink alcohol, drive or work machinery during this time.
Possible Side Effects of IV Sedation
- Drowsiness is the most common side effect
- Dry Mouth
- Nausea or vomiting. Because of the way IV sedation medications affect the brain and gastrointestinal systems, you may experience nausea / vomiting
- Tears
- Headache
- Amnesia
FAQs
Sedation involves administering a sedative drug to help you feel calm and relaxed during a procedure. Unlike a general anaesthetic, you are not unconscious and can often respond to simple commands. Sedation is used to reduce anxiety, manage pain, and increase comfort for both minor and complex procedures.
Sedation is given in varying doses, resulting in different levels of consciousness.
Minimal sedation: You will feel relaxed but awake. You can talk normally and follow instructions. You may remember most details of the procedure.
Moderate sedation: You will feel sleepy and very relaxed, but can be woken easily and can speak normally. You may remember only some parts of the procedure
Deep sedation: You will be on the edge of consciousness and may fall asleep. Your breathing may slow down. You are unlikely to remember much of the procedure. In the UK, deep sedation must be administered by a qualified anaesthetist.
The method depends on the type of procedure and the level of sedation required.
Intravenous (IV) sedation: The sedative is injected into a vein in your arm or hand through a thin plastic tube called a cannula. This is the most common method for moderate sedation.
Oral sedation: The sedative is taken by mouth, often in tablet form. It is often used for mild anxiety relief before a general anaesthetic.
Inhalation sedation: You breathe in a sedative gas through a face mask. This provides minimal sedation and a quick recovery.
Many healthy adults are eligible for sedation. It is particularly helpful for:
Patients with high anxiety or dental phobia.
Patients with a strong gag reflex.
Those undergoing uncomfortable or long procedures.
Patients who cannot remain still during treatment.
Yes. For any level of sedation, you must have a responsible adult (over 18) take you home after your procedure. They should also stay with you for the next 12 to 24 hours. A taxi driver or public transport is not a sufficient escort.
Follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions, which often include:
Food and drink: For IV sedation, you must not eat any solid food for six hours beforehand, but may have clear liquids up to two hours before.
Specific instructions will be given for diabetic patients.
Alcohol and drugs: Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours and recreational drugs for at least 48 hours before the procedure.
Medication: Discuss all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications with your provider.
Health: Inform the clinic of any health changes, such as a cold, illness, or pregnancy.
Attire: Wear loose, comfortable clothing and flat shoes. Avoid make-up and nail varnish.
While sedation is generally very safe, side effects and risks are possible.
Common effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, temporary memory loss, headache, or bruising at the injection site.
Breathing and blood pressure: Deep sedation can cause your breathing and blood pressure to drop slightly, which will be monitored and managed by the seditionist.
Rare complications: Allergic reactions to the drugs or stomach contents entering the lungs are very rare.
For 24 hours after sedation, your judgment and coordination will be impaired.
Immediately after: You will be monitored in a recovery area until you are alert enough to go home with your escort.
For the next 24 hours:
Do not drive, operate machinery, cook, drink alcohol, take other sleeping tablets, or sign legal documents. Do not supervise children or other dependents.
After 24 hours: You can typically resume your normal routine, but listen to your body and rest if you feel tired.
It depends on the level of sedation.
With minimal or moderate sedation, you may have some memory of the procedure.
With deeper sedation, you will likely have little to no memory.
It’s best to start with small sips of water and progress to light meals as you tolerate them. Avoid large meals for the first 24 hours.
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