This information will help you to understand the treatment you are going to receive and contains answers to many commonly asked questions. If you have any other questions or would like further explanation, please ask. You can contact Amy, our Sedation receptionist, at the Dart Vale clinic on 01803 840200.

Why do I need sedation?

It is an ideal way of helping you to relax if you are nervous about dental treatment or you are having a procedure which may cause discomfort or distress.

What are the benefits?

While under IV sedation, you will feel deeply relaxed but you will still be able to understand and respond to requests from the dentist. You will be unaware of the operation and this form of treatment is ideal for patients who wish to avoid the noise and vibration of the drill.

Are there any risks?

Sedation is extremely safe when it is administered by a specially trained dentist.

Sedation has four main effects:

If for some reason the sedation does not make you feel relaxed and sleepy we are able to stop the sedation by giving the reversal drug.

Are there any alternatives?

Your dentist will be happy to discuss these alternatives with you.

Do I need to prepare for sedation?

This escort must be over the age of 18 years, able-bodied and personally known to you. They must arrive and remain in the building with you. They must be able to escort you home and care for you for the rest of the day. Do not bring you children with you to your appointment.

Details of your treatment will be given to your escort. They will be required to sign to say they will be responsible for your post-operative care. This will include specific immediate post-operative instructions.

Where will it be carried out?

The treatment will be carried out in the dental clinic. Your escort can come with you into the clinic, but they will be asked to return to the waiting room while you have your treatment.

What happens during oral sedation?

You will be given the sedative either as a drink, or in tablet form. The sedative takes about an hour to take affect. You will stay with your escort in the clinic where you will be monitored until you feel sleepy and relaxed. When you feel ready we will start the dental treatment. We will place a small cannula in the back of your hand or in your arm and you will have a gadget clipped to your finger to measure your pulse and oxygen levels. Your blood pressure will be measured before, during and after your treatment.

What happens during Intravenous (IV) Sedation

An extremely thin Teflon lined tube (cannula) will be put into a vein either in one of your arms or in the back of one of your hands. A drug will then be injected which will quickly make you feel sleepy and relaxed. Throughout the procedure you will have a gadget clipped to your finger to measure your pulse and oxygen levels. Your blood pressure will be checked before, during and after the procedure.

Will I still need an injection in my mouth?

Yes, as well as sedation you will be given local anaesthetic. You will not be aware of being given the local anaesthetic because you will have it after the sedation. This involves an injection into the gum surrounding the area that you are having treated. The injection will take a couple of minutes to numb the area and it ensures that you will feel no pain during your treatment.

The length of time you will be sedated varies depending on the treatment you are having.

What happens after sedation?

You will need to stay in our recovery area until you are considered ready to leave. Recovery usually takes about an hour but can be longer.

Until the following day after you have had IV sedation: