Facts About Sedation Dentistry: Sedation dentistry is a way for patients to have the dental work they want and need, even if they are especially anxious of having dental work performed in their mouth. It is safe, and it works: Here at Dream Dentistry, we provide 3 types of sedation: I.V. Sedation (Intravenous), R.A. Sedation (Inhalation) and Oral Sedation (tablet).
Conscious Intravenous (I.V) Sedation
Intravenous sedation provides the deepest and most predictable amount of sedation, and it allows the dentist to carefully control the level of sedation a patient undergoes, while the patient experiences deep relaxation and no pain. Its aim is to make you feel calm and relaxed and will take away any anxiety you may have regarding dental treatment. You will not go to sleep but will feel deeply relaxed and not bothered about what is going on. You will have little or no memory about the procedure and time will appear to pass very quickly. Some people liken it to having a few glasses of wine. After the treatment, expect to go home and enjoy a good sleep!
“Intravenous” means through a vein. The drug that is used to sedate you is put into your circulating bloodstream through a vein. First of all an extremely thin needle is put into the skin. Numbing cream can be used before hand so this cannot be felt. Once the needle is in it will be removed leaving a soft plastic tube so we can deliver the drug to sedate you.
A responsible adult (over 18 years old) must accompany you to your appointment, stay with you and resume responsibility for your care for the next 24 hours. If you solely care for children, elderly and/or dependant relatives your escort will have to take responsibility for their care as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who is suitable for IV Sedation?
People who have a:Fear of dental procedures
History of a traumatic dental experience
Bad gag reflex
Fear of needles in their mouth
Q. Will I feel any pain?
No. After you have been sedated you will be given a local anaesthetic, so you wont feel any pain at all. The dentist will wait for this to fully take effect before starting your treatment.
Q. Will I be unconscious?
You will feel very relaxed and may feel sleepy but you will not be unconscious.
Q. How long will I be sedated?
It depends on the length of dental treatment being carried out. Most treatments take at least an hour.
Q.Will I be monitored throughout the procedure?
Yes your blood pressure, breathing and pulse rates will all be monitored throughout the procedure.
Q. Do I need to starve myself before the procedure?
No you should not starve yourself. We recommend that you have a light meal no later than 2 hours before your appointment time.
INSTRUCTIONS TO PATIENTS REQUIRING A PROCEDURE WITH INTRAVENOUS SEDATION
It is a legal requirement that a responsible adult (over 18 years old) must accompany you to your appointment and then home or to a suitable place of care after treatment. They must assume care for you and any children or dependents that you are solely responsible for, for the next 24 hours.
Your escort is required to make arrangements to transport you home by car or taxi.
It is essential that both you and your escort clearly understand the effects of sedation before arriving for the procedure and the need to follow all post-sedation instructions.
If either you or your escort are unwilling or unable to comply with these requirements the appointment will be cancelled and rearranged.
Before the procedure I agree to...
1. Inform the dentist of my full medical history including any medication that I am taking and any allergies I may have
2. Make arrangements to be accompanied by a responsible, healthy adult over 18 years old. I understand that they will have to remain with me and accept responsibility for my care either at my home or a suitable place for the next 24 hours. I understand they will be responsible for transporting me home from the clinic by private car or taxi.
3. Make arrangements for the care of any children, elderly or dependant relatives I am solely responsible for during my appointment. I understand that when home my escort must accept responsibility for their care for the next 24 hours.
On the day of the procedure I agree to...
1. Turn up to my appointment in good time with a responsible adult.
2. NOT STARVE myself. No later than 2 hours before my appointment I will have a light meal or snack
3. Remove any nail varnish I am wearing
4. Bring all medication I am taking with me, including inhalers
5. Wear comfortable short sleeved clothing and flat-heeled shoes (not flip-flops)
6. Inform the dentist of any changes to my health or medication
After the procedure for the next 24 hours I agree to...
1. Avoid driving, cooking, operating machinery or undertaking any work that may involve danger to myself or others
2. Avoid making important decisions or signing documents
3. Avoid climbing stairs unaided
4. Avoid any alcohol, sleeping tablets or tranquillizers
Additional unanticipated treatment might be needed. During theprocedure, dental problems may show up that were not noticed or diagnosed before, such as a tooth that might be very decayed and need a crown or root canal. We will be very careful to try to prevent this from happening by thorough diagnosis. At the same time, we also try to be conservative and do the least that is needed. If this occurs, you will be too sedated for us to ask you what you want to do. We will always respect your desires, so please let us know in advance if you want us to: Stick to the plan regardless of what we find, or make thebest decision on your behalf.
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