Suitable for patients who are very nervous or require extensive treatment.

Sedation

Intravenous Sedation

Intravenous sedation is the injection of a sedative drug into the blood system in order to assist the dental treatment of anxious patients.

What Effect Does it Have?

The sedative used produces a very strong sensation of deep relaxation and well-being in the vast majority of patients. Even the most highly anxious patients can be successfully treated with this technique. Most patients experience either full or partial memory loss of the dental treatment. This is one of the factors that most patients give as it’s biggest advantage.

How is it Given?

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

Who is sedation suitable for?

It is suitable for patients who are very nervous or who have extensive treatment to be carried out.

Who is sedation not suitable for?

It is not suitable for the following:

• Intravenous Drug Users
• People with unstable heart conditions
• Pregnant Women
• Children under 14yrs
• Alcoholics
• Very overweight people

Is it safe?

Yes, sedation is a much safer alternative to a General Anaesthetic

You must bring a responsible adult with you to the sedation appointment. This must be someone who can take you home and care for you for the rest of the day.

We cannot start treatment unless your escort is present.

Assessment Visit

1. You will be asked to attend the practice for a assessment for sedation.
2. It is important to inform your dentist at this visit of any changes to your medical history or prescribed medication.
3. You will have your blood pressure checked.
4. Your treatment will be explained to you.
5. You will be asked to sign a consent form.

Before your sedation appointment

1. Continue to take any prescribed medication as normal.
2. Do not drink any alcohol or take any recreational drugs for at least 48 hours beforehand.
3. Eat a light meal as normal.
4. Make any necessary childcare arrangements.
5. Remove any nail varnish.

At your sedation appointment

1. It is important that your escort arrives at the appointment with you. The treatment cannot begin unless your escort is with you.
2. Your blood pressure will be checked again.
3. You will be asked to wear a small clip on your finger. This is to check your heart beat and breathing.
4. The drug which you will be given is called midazolam. It is a sedative drug and will very quickly make you very relaxed.
5. The drug will be given to you by a small injection in the back of your hand or arm.
6. You will still be awake during the procedure and will be able to talk to your dentist and dental nurse.
7. However, afterwards you will not be able to remember anything about the dental treatment
8. The dentist who will carry out the treatment is Ryan Kirk.

After the sedation appointment

1. Your escort should arrange to take you home immediately by car or taxi and not by public transport or walking.
2. You should rest at home for the remainder of the day
3. You must not attempt to do any of the following for at least 24 hours:
   i. drive or ride a bicycle
   ii. cook (including handling boiling kettles)
   iii. be responsible for children
   iv. drink alcohol or take recreational drugs.

Take any prescribed medication as normal

Downloads:

Sedation Information Leaflet
Sedation Appointment Instructions
Sedation Escort Instructions