Dental Sedation

As with the administration of any medicines, there are risks associated with intravenous sedation. These may include:

• A reduction of oxygen in the blood stream due to poor-breathing during sedation. You may be asked to take deep breathes by your dentist, or oxygen may be  applied through a small tube in  your nostrils to correct this. Your breathing and oxygen levels will be monitored throughout the procedure. 
• Bruising at the site of the cannula is common and may take several days to fade.  
• Very rare risks include allergic reactions to the  sedative drugs or vomiting during the procedure. 

Yes, you will be aware but the effect of the drug administered by the IV causes you to feel calm so you will not be worried or anxious about the treatment being carried out.

The Midazolam does have amnesic properties so it is likely that you will forget parts of the treatment process even though you will be conscious throughout. Everyone is affected differently so it is impossible to predict to what extent you will be affected.  

We ask that you follow these simple sedation rules: 

DO 

Bring a responsible adult to take you home and supervise you for 24 hours, they must remain at the practice throughout your treatment. We will provide them with separate instructions to help look after you. 

Come in your own transport – either a car or taxi.

Have a light meal and a clear non-alcoholic drink a few hours before we see you.

Wear a sleeveless/short sleeved top.

Wear loose comfortable clothes and flat-heeled shoes.

Please do not wear nail varnish, make-up or contact lenses.

Take any medicines that you normally would, and ensure we know what you take.

Go home and rest after the treatment.

Doctor Jeffery will discuss any concerns you may have prior to the procedure.  

It is important that you let Doctor Jeffery know your medical history including any medicines that you are taking. If you take any recreational drugs it is important that you let your dental team know this as these may have an effect on how the sedative drug works.

They will also need to know if you have had any problems with sedation or general anaesthetics in the past. If you think you may be pregnant you need to let the dentist know. You may need to come back to have your treatment at another time.

You should let the dentist know if you are breastfeeding.

Doctor Jeffery will discuss with you what you can eat and drink beforehand. You will also be given this in writing. It is important that you follow these instructions carefully. The information given here is a   general guide and as such may differ from that which you receive at the face to face discussions with your dentist. This will be specific to your sedation and your treatment plan.

Before commencing treatment Doctor Jeffery will ask you to confirm consent. This means that you understand the planned treatment and how you will receive treatment.

It is important that you ask questions if you are unsure about any aspect of your care. You will be given the opportunity to do so by Doctor Jeffery.

What To Expect

You will remain conscious throughout your treatment.

You may experience a  temporary loss of memory during the time that you are sedated. Many patients have no memory at all of the procedure.

You may feel unsteady on your feet for some hours after. Your ability to think clearly and make judgements will be affected for the next 24 hours. 

You may experience some forgetfulness.

Once you are sedated, the dentist may use local analgesia to numb the area where treatment will be performed. Topical numbing gel can be used to help with any discomfort from this. 

You will spend some time in the recovery area following your treatment.

You will be checked by the dentist before you can go home.

You must be accompanied by an able-bodied adult who can take responsibility for you following the treatment. The person may need to stay with you overnight. If you do not have an accompanying adult, sedation treatment cannot go ahead. If anything is unclear then please ask Doctor Jeffery.

After the treatment, your judgement will be affected by the drugs. This is similar to the effect of consuming alcohol. You should not drive a car, ride a bike or operate machinery until the following day. In some cases, this may be as long as 24 hours. 

You should also not take responsibility for the care of others, use sharp implements or cook.

It would be unwise to make any irreversible decisions for up to 24 hours.

Owing to the after effects of the drugs, care should be taken when using the internet or personal communication.

Before you are discharged, the dentist or dental nurse will give you and your escort important information about your care.

You will be given information relating to any local anaesthetic and the treatment you have received. 

The dentist will also provide any details of pain relief as well as how and when to take other medicines.

You will be given a  telephone number of who to contact if there are any difficulties or concerns. 

Once your treatment has been completed you will recover within the practice as the effects of the sedation wear off. Once you are fully recovered you will be discharged and free to go home.  

You should refrain from driving or operating heavy machinery for 24 hours following sedation.

We also advise refraining from exercise straight afterwards too.  

Do Not 

• Drive, cycle or use machinery for 24 hours after the sedation, as you will feel sleepy.
• Sign any legal document, cheques or make any important decisions for 24 hours afterwards.
• Drink any alcohol before or after the sedation.
• Smoke for 24 hours after the sedation, there is a risk you may drop the cigarette and cause a fire.