Sedation Information

Intravenous sedation involves the injection of a sedative drug into the blood system.  It helps to relax very nervous patients to allow dental treatment to be carried out.

What Effect Does Sedation Have?

The sedative used produces a very strong sensation of deep relaxation and well-being.  Most patients experience full or partial memory loss of the dental treatment. Even the most highly anxious patients can be treated successfully using sedation..

How is Sedation Given?

The drug is given by a small injection to the back of the hand or arm, and this is usually quite painless.

Who is sedation suitable for?

It is suitable for very nervous patients, especially those who have extensive treatment to be carried out.

Who is sedation not suitable for?

• Intravenous Drug Users
• Alcoholics
• People with unstable heart conditions
• Pregnant Women
• Children under 14yrs
• Very overweight peopleIs it safe?
  Yes, sedation is a much safer alternative to a General Anaesthetic.  General Anaesthetics are no longer offered for routine dental treatment.

Assessment Visit

• You will be asked to attend the practice for an assessment for sedation.
• At this visit, it is important to inform your dentist of any changes to your medical history or prescribed medication.
• You will have your blood pressure checked.
• Your treatment will be explained to you.
• You will be asked to sign a consent form.
• You will be asked who you intend to ask to be your escort.  This must be a responsible adult can come to the sedation appointment with you, and who can take you home and care for you overnight.

Before your sedation appointment

• Continue to take any prescribed medication as normal.
• Do not drink any alcohol or take any recreational drugs for at least 48 hours beforehand.
• Eat a light meal as normal.
• Make any necessary childcare arrangements.
• At your sedation appointment
• It is important that your escort arrives at the appointment with you.  We cannot to start treatment unless your escort is with you.
• Your blood pressure will be checked again.
• You will be asked to wear a small clip on your finger. This is to check your heart beat and breathing.
• The sedative drug which you will be given is called midazolam. It will quickly make you feel very relaxed.
• It is a very safe procedure.
• The drug will be given to you by a small injection in the back of your hand or arm.
• You will still be awake during the procedure and you will be able to talk to your dentist and dental nurse.
• However, afterwards you will not be able to remember anything about the dental treatment.
• You can expect the treatment to take around 1 hour
• The dentist who will carry out the treatment is Morven Swan.

After the sedation appointment

• Your escort should arrange to take you home immediately by car or taxi and not by public transport or walking.
• You should rest at home for the remainder of the day.
• You must not attempt to do any of the following for at least 24 hours:

X drive or ride a bicycle
X cook (including handling boiling kettles)
X be responsible for children
X drink alcohol or take recreational drugs.

• You should take any prescribed medication as usual.