Dental Sedation

We understand that many patients fear the dentist and are terrified of receiving the treatment that they require, let alone just coming in for an assessment.

Sedation is the most effective way to treat nervous patients. It removes the anxiety of dental treatment.

Unfortunately avoiding early treatment often results in the requirement of more treatment in the future- some of which may not have previously been necessary if you had been seen earlier!

This often results in an emergency appointment and more stressful situation due to such delays. This then creates more anxiety due to repeated bad experiences at each emergency dental visit and no progress is made. A slow and gradual approach to treatment usually allows patients to avoid emergency situations and recover their confidence enough to receive regular check ups and advice.

We have new techniques and approaches to help.

Number 1 is to talk to us about your fears.

What is sedation?

The special medication is administered via the back of your hand and has a relaxing and calming effect. Patients feel like they have had a general anaesthetic (G.A.). The sedation is extremely safe and is a relatively cheap alternative to G.A. which has to be carried out in hospitals. Although patients can communicate during treatment they usually do not remember any part of the treatment. Weight, age and general health are assessed prior to sedation.

How will IV sedation in the surgery affect me?

The sedation will make you drowsy and unaware of the treatment you are undergoing. You will still be able to communicate and co-operate with the dental team. The effects of the sedative will take time to wear off and you will not be able to drink alcohol, drive, work or work machinery on this day.

It is compulsory that someone can help you home after treatment and keep an eye on you for a couple of hours afterwards.

What else can help?

Some patients are less anxious and do not require full intravenous sedation. Often a sedative tablet taken the night before and another an hour before treatment will be enough to alleviate the fear and allow the required treatment to be undertaken. Patients generally become more and more confident as their treatment progresses and require less and less sedation.