Intravenous Sedation

The purpose of conscious sedation is to provide patients from having an unpleasant dental visit.

Patients are calm and co-operative but not asleep during treatment. Some awareness is necessary for safety and to help the dentist.

The sedation medicine works on the brain decreasing anxiety and awareness leaving a warm and fuzzy drowsiness. Many patients say they "tune out" at times during their procedure, which makes time pass very quickly. We also give local anaesthetic as usual for the dental procedure.

Intravenous sedation is performed in our surgery by a qualified specialist anaesthetist, Dr Mark Familton.

For safety, patients blood pressure is measured frequently using an inflatable cuff on the upper arm. Patients pulse rate and oxygen levels are monitored continuously using a small device called a "pulse oximeter" placed on a finger.

The following are common reasons patients choose IV Sedation:

 To reduce anxiety related to dentistry

 To reduce gagging

Not all patients are suitable for IV sedation. There are various factors which preclude some patients. In some cases a General Anaesthetic in theatre is a better option.

Any problems that arise are dealt with immediately by the specialist anaesthetist. Some effects of sedation can last up to 24 hours after your appointment so it is recommended to avoid:

Driving and operating machinery.

Making important decisions and signing important documents.

Alcohol, it can be dangerously sedative.

It is vital to have someone collect you and look after you for a few hours. It is advisable to go home and completely rest for 24 hours, taking care in the bathroom as residual dizziness may cause loss of balance.