Conscious Sedation
It is not uncommon for people to have a fear of undergoing dental work. To help those people who are anxious or nervous, we offer tried and tested conscious sedation techniques to support them through their treatment plans.
Sedation allows patients to undergo their dental treatment totally relaxed and anxiety free. Almost any patient who is in need of dental treatment for health or cosmetic reasons but is anxious about the procedure is likely to benefit from conscious sedation.
Inhalation sedation (RA)
Inhalation sedation (RA) enables the patient to be in a more relaxed state by reathing in nitrous oxide gas during their dental treatment. Using nitrous oxide (happy gas), proven to be a safe and effective for more than 150 years, it is administered through a small nasal cowl. Within just a few minutes the effects of sedation can be seen. Rapid and complete recovery also occurs within minutes of nitrous oxide termination. Our equipment is state of the art allowing us to administer the exact amount nitrous oxide needed for a person to relax.
Intravenous sedation (IV)
Intravenous sedation is technique whereby a sedative drug is administered to your body through a small scratch either in the back of your hand or the inside of your elbow.
The drugs used make the patient feel like they are asleep but remarkably it does not actually induce sleep. The patient remains conscious and can follow instructions from the dentist. This technique is safe and generally bypasses the need for any general anaesthetic. The sedative takes effect quickly and the sedation is far deeper than with the inhalation system.
Aftercare
Once your dental treatment is completed you will require another adult to stay with you as the effects of the sedative may take up to 24 hours to wear off completely.
Our dentists have been providing IV sedation for dental treatment for a number of years.
IV sedation may not be suitable for you, if you are currently on oral sedative medication, have chronic breathing or heart disease.
Who may benefit from conscious sedation methods?
- Patients who are anxious
- Patients receiving complex or prolonged dental surgery
- Patients who experience difficulty getting numb
- Anyone with a strong gag reflex
- Anyone who is afraid of needles in the mouth
- Patients who dislike noises and smells associated with dental treatment
