Sedation

"Conscience Sedation in Didcot"

What is sedation?

Conscious sedation," is a technique used to help patients relax during dental procedures. It involves the use of medication to help you feel calm and comfortable during the procedure. This medication can be administered through swallowing a prescribed tablet or through a drip in the arm for very nervous patients.

Being sedated will mean you remain conscious and able to respond to questions and instructions, but may feel drowsy and relaxed. Conscious sedation is often used for patients who have dental anxiety or for procedures that are lengthy or complex. It can also be used for patients who have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time or for patients who have a strong gag reflex.

Why choose to have sedation in Didcot?

Conscious sedation is often used for patients who have dental anxiety or fear when visiting the dentist, it can help patients relax and feel more comfortable during the procedure. There may be other instance where a patient may need to have lengthy or a complex procedure performed. In these situations, conscious sedation can help them stay comfortable and still for the duration of the treatment.

Other common reasons why patients may require sedation may be if they suffer from a sensitive gag reflex or very sensitive teeth that are difficult to numb.

The main benefits are:

Reduced anxiety
Increased comfort
Fewer visits as patients can tolerate longer appointments

Sedation FAQ

What is the difference between local anaesthetic, sedation and general anaesthetic?

Local anaesthetic is a liquid that is injected close to the tooth being worked on during a dental procedure. This completely blocks the sensation of pain during a dental procedure. Treatment can be carried out with just a local anaesthetic where you are completely aware of the procedure. Alternatively, if you are having sedation, it will also be administered after the sedative has taken affect.

Conscious sedation, is a type of medication that is usually administered through a drip inserted into the arm. It helps patients feel completely relaxed and calm during short and longer dental procedures. Patients who receive conscious sedation are awake and able to communicate with the medical or dental team, but they may feel drowsy and have a very limited memory of the procedure once awake.

General anaesthesia may be considered as a more invasive form of sedation. It is a type of anaesthesia that is used to render patients completely unconscious during a procedure and can only be carried out a by a trained anaesthetist in a hospital setting. General anaesthesia is administered through an IV line or through a gas inhaled through a mask, and it works to block pain and other sensations throughout the entire body.

What are the general instructions leading up to my dental sedation appointment?
  • No solid food 6 hours prior to appointment
  • No clear fluid 2 hours before procedure
  • An escort must be present to bring you in and take you home and stay with you 24 hours after the procedure

All patients will have a pre-assessment appointment where the dentist will discuss this with you in more detail

What is the general advice for recovery after sedation?

It's important to follow the instructions provided by your dentist after receiving sedation for a dental procedure. Here are some general guidelines to follow in the first 24 hours:

  • Relax and take it easy
  • An escort must be available to bring you into the dental practice and take you back home and stay with you for 24 hours
  • Do not drive any cars or operate any machinery
  • Do not sign any legal documents
  • Do not look after any young children or other dependents
  • Do not use any recreational drugs, consume alcohol or sleeping tablets
What are the risks associated with sedation?

Dental sedation is generally safe when administered by a trained and experienced healthcare professional. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks involved:

  • Irritation at site of drip placement and bruising
  • Allergic reaction
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • It may take longer for some people to fully wake up after the procedure.

These will be discussed with you in detail at your pre-assessment appointment.

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