Patient Sedation Information

What is sedation?

Sedation means feeling relaxed, free from fear and anxiety, pain and distress.

These feelings are produced by drugs called sedatives.

Why do I need sedation?

Sometimes you need sedation for an investigation or treatment at the clinic/surgery.

The operator may need to compliment local anaesthetic technique for maximum comfort and a pleasant surgical experience.

This can be for a number of reasons:

• If you are anxious or distressed about a treatment
• If treatment is sore or uncomfortable
• If you need a long, complicated or traumatic treatment.

If you have a strong “gag” reflex and the dentist finds it difficult to get access to dental treatment.

How will I be given the sedation medicine?

There are 3 ways sedation medicine can be given:

1. A liquid medicine or tablet you can swallow.
2. A gas (called Entonox) you breathe in through a mouthpiece.
3. An injection. However, if you are needle phobic we can apply a local anaesthetic cream on the site of injection, but that takes at least 45 minutes to work, so it will add to your appointment time.

You can often choose how the sedation medicine is given. Dr. George will talk to you about this if you ask the practice.

How long do sedation medicines take to work?

Liquids & tablets take up to an hour to work.

Gas works straight away.

Injection may make you become sleepy very quickly. This is Dr. George’s preferred treatment.

How safe are sedation medicines?

Modern sedation medicines are safe and complications are rare if you are in a good health or if you have well controlled medical condition.

1 in 10 might have a headache, feel sick or dizzy, or be sick.

1 in 25  (especially young adults) might get so restless that the treatment has to be cancelled.

What type of sedation I am having with Dr. George?

You will be giving Intravenous Conscious Sedation (IVCS).  Very rarely she may give you small volume of medicine by mouth if you really need it.

Are there any side effects?

Some young people will feel or be sick, especially if you prone to be sick after any anaesthetic. This should only last for a short time. Please mention that to Dr. George so she can give you medicine to help with this.

What happens if the sedation doesn’t work?

On the very rare occasion, if the sedation medicine doesn’t work Dr. George will either try a different type of sedation or cancel the treatment for that day. She will let you know what will happen next and answer any questions you have.

I have been told that I cannot choose the type of sedation medicine that I have.

Sometimes you will not have a choice about how the sedation medicine is given. This is usually decided by your treating Dentist/surgeon when they consult Dr. George for your appointment.

If this happens everything will be explained to you.

Your wishes are very important – we will work with you to give you the best possible care.

Please read the enclosed Pre-& Post Anaesthetic instructions for more information, how to prepare yourself for the treatment and what to expect afterwards.