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Sedation Dentistry

Sedation is a procedure that makes use of sedative medications to make visiting the dentist a more relaxed experience, enabling the dentists to perform normal dental procedures. The sedative drug midazolam is administered intravenously to relax the patient and to obtain memory loss for the duration of the procedure. See more information on intravenous sedation.

The medications you receive will not put you to sleep, although you are likely to feel sleepy while under sedation. Sedation dentistry is different from general anaesthesia, which leads to a deeper state of sleep.

Sedation Facts:

  • It Really Works! You really can relax through your dental appointment. 
    You will have little or no memory of the experience. 
  • You won't remember any sounds or smells. 
  • Complex dental treatments that often require multiple appointments can often be done in as little as one or two visits. All while you relax. 
  • People who have difficulty getting numb will have no problem when relaxed.
  • Sedation dentistry is a safe way to reduce the fatigue of extended dental treatment requiring long visits.

If you have any of the following:

  • Fear of dental treatment
  • History of traumatic dental experiences
  • Very sensitive gag reflex or difficulty opening your mouth
  • Extremely sensitive teeth
  • Complex dental problems; or a need for surgery
  • Above average disdain for "getting numb"
  • In denial of a dental problem until the pain is unbearable
  • Have not received professional dental care in many years, perhaps decades
  • Gone from dentist to dentist, or doctors, to renew pain-killer
  • prescriptions for dental problems
  • Experience sweaty palms or find yourself gripping the armrests

...then yes, you are a candidate!

If you hate the noises, smells and tastes associated with dental care and offices and you can't block them out, then you may want to experience "dental sedation" while we do the work.

Recent research has indicated that the number one reason adults postpone needed dental care was fear! That's right, not time, not money, but fear! We work closely with an excellent anaesthetist with many years of professional experience. He makes sure that you have a pleasant experience!

 

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    01753 825 450

Treatments

Intravenous Conscious Sedation Policy

Effective management of pain and anxiety is of enormous importance to patients requiring dental treatment. Conscious Sedation is a fundamental component of this. Competently provided Conscious Sedation is safe, valuable and effective.

At this practice we use a wide margin of safety between Conscious Sedation and the unconscious state of general anesthesia. Conscious Sedation must not be interpreted as light general anesthesia.

Every exposure to Conscious Sedation is justified. Careful and thorough assessment of the patient ensures that correct decisions are made regarding the planning of treatment.

At this practice Conscious Sedation is undertaken with the supervision of a seditionist.

We only offer Conscious Sedation to adults and children from the age of 12 years. (In case of children we offer a single drug therapy which may sometimes limit the treatment. Please check with us for more information).

Competency based on a solid foundation of theoretical and practical supervised training, updating of skills and continuing experience ensures safe and best practice at all times.

A thorough medical and dental history is obtained and recorded prior to each course of treatment for every patient.

Patients must have an escort present at the surgery before treatment commences. That escort must stay in the waiting room whilst treatment is carried out and must take the patient home in a vehicle afterwards. Public transport is not allowed following sedation.

Patients receive careful written instructions and valid written consent is obtained before treatment is commenced.

This practice recommends fasting for 3 hours prior to sedation, in line with our local authority's instructions.

All equipment for the administration of intravenous sedation, including appropriate reversal drugs, are available in the treatment area and are appropriately maintained.

The standard technique for intravenous sedation is the use of a titrated dose of a single drug, for example a form of benzodiazepine. In rare cases it may be supplemented with a second drug because no single technique will be successful for all patients.

All drugs and syringes used in the treatment area are clearly labelled and are given according to accepted recommendations.

Stringent clinical monitoring during the procedure is always maintained and all members of the clinical team are capable of undertaking this.

Operating chairs and patient trolleys are capable of being placed in the head-down tilt position, and equipment for resuscitation from respiratory and cardiac arrest is readily available.

Training in the management of complications in addition to regularly rehearsed proficiency in life-support techniques is undertaken by all clinical staff. Retention and improvement of knowledge and skills for all clinical staff are ongoing.

Should the need for supplemental oxygen arise, it is always readily and immediately available.

Recovery from Conscious Sedation is a gradual progression from completion of treatment to discharge The Recovery Nurse supervises and monitors the patient throughout this period.

The decision to discharge the patient into the care of the escort following intravenous sedation is the responsibility of the seditionist.

The patient and escort are provided with details of potential complications, aftercare and emergency contacts.