Conscious Sedation
The Garden Square Dental team is fully equipped to deal with the most anxious patients, offering both oral and intravenous conscious sedation or ‘sleep dentistry’. This involves the provision of a sedative medication which allows you to feel extremely relaxed whilst still being able to communicate with the dentist if necessary
What is Conscious Sedation
Conscious Sedation is a technique in which you will be made to feel pain-free, relaxed and sedated. You will be in control of your reflexes and breathing while still being able to talk.
During the procedure, your sedationist will be with you at all times, making sure that you are comfortable and free from pain. The sedationist looks after every part of the normal working of your body. This is done by measuring and controlling vital functions such as heartbeat, blood pressure, breathing, brain function, and body temperature.
- You will not be unconscious but sedated (relaxed).
- During the sedation, you may also be given an anesthetic injection in the mouth to complement the procedure.
- You might hear sound or feel vibration, but will be pain-free, relaxed and probably unable to remember the procedure afterwards.
Conscious Sedation FAQ’s
Is sedation safe?
This is a very safe procedure with few side effects, and is recommended by The General Dental Council as the preferred alternative to General Anaesthetic. Some patients may suffer from problems such as nausea and vomiting, headache and drowsiness. Your dental sedationist will answer your questions about any of your concerns when you are seen before the procedure.
Should I stop eating and drinking before a procedure?
If you have food or drink in your stomach when you are sedated you may feel sick when under sedation. We advise no food for 2 hours before dental work, but you may drink small volumes of water until 1 hour before.
Where and how are you sedated?
You will be given your sedation at the Garden Square Surgery. We are able to offer both oral and intravenous conscious sedation for adults only.
How do I wake up?
When the procedure is complete, you will be taken to our recovery room where you may feel drowsy for a while afterwards until the sedative wears off.
Conscious Sedation Testimonial
I had been putting off having a wisdom tooth extracted for over 30 years until I sat down and spoke to Amer about the options Garden Square Dental offered for the procedure. Amer clearly explained to me that it did not have to be a daunting process as they offered many different levels of anaesthetic and sedation, and I could choose the one I felt suited me the best. This gave me great comfort, as well as knowing my husband could attend on the day. I opted for IV sedation and although I was fully conscious throughout I didn’t remember anything after the sedation was administered- but within an hour of arriving home, I was back chatting to my family as normal. My only regret was that I spent 30 years worrying about it unnecessarily! I have many friends who have had their wisdom teeth extracted without being offered any option other than the standard procedure and found the surgery quite traumatic, so I would highly recommend Amer and his team for offering the options for each individual to feel the most comfortable with.