Dental sedation uses medication to help you remain calm and relaxed during dental procedures. While most treatments are carried out without the need for sedation there are a small number of procedures for which we recommend sedation. But we do not only use sedation for complex procedures, it can also be recommended for people who have a low pain threshold, high levels of sensitivity or for those whose fear of the dentist is stopping them receiving the best treatment.
For patients with a fear of the dentist, sedation is a way to alleviate anxiety, overcome fear and receive treatment in a relaxed and comfortable state.
Inhalation sedation
Inhalation sedation is a light form of sedation. It is a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen breathed through a nosepiece. This helps the patient feel relaxed and accept treatment. Inhalation sedation is also known as ‘happy air’. It is not general anaesthesia.
During inhalation sedation the patient can feel:
- Relaxed
- Floating
- Slightly drowsy but not asleep
- Slightly warm
- Tingling in the feet or hands
Intravenous (IV) sedation
Intravenous (IV) sedation is a type of anesthesia given through a tube placed in a vein. It helps you relax, prevents you from feeling pain, and is mainly used for minor medical procedures that do not require deeper general anesthesia.
Benefits:
- Fast acting
- Rapid recovery
- Customizable dose
- Fewer changes in vital signs
- Fewer side effects
- Lower risks than general anesthesia
- Ability of the patient to cooperate
- Avoiding use of a breathing tube
Your 4-Step Dental Sedation Process
Step 1:
Book your initial sedation assessment at our practice
Step 2:
Receive your bespoke treatment plan for your desired treatment
Step 3:
Begin your dental treatment journey with us
Step 4:
Enjoy healthy teeth & smile with confidence for life
"Everything I asked for he could accommodate"
I haven’t seen a dentist for over 15 years due to complete fear. I started with a few broken teeth that for the last 8 years have me in consistent pain, abscess and unable to eat what I want. It’s felt like an utter curse.
After being bashed about by my family to go and see a dentist I found Contemporary Dental. On my first visit, I was asked some questions and given a mass of X-rays. Straight away Mark and his entire team were great, I was super nervous to even have anyone look due to embarrassment however Mark was fantastic. I said I was nervous and that anything I did, I need to be sedated. Normally this is the point I’m given a massive speech about I should try it first blah blah blah, but not here, mark just said “Fine not a problem”. Everything I asked for he could accommodate.
My first appointment to have 2 severely broken teeth removed was yesterday, I was extremely nervous however when I got in, I paid, said hello, laid down and they put me under sedation. I floated through the entire procedure and woke up to Mark just finishing up, asking if I was all good and a lady holding my hand. Gave me meds and my chaperone took me home. Honestly, it was a breeze and my issues were sorted.
You may look at the prices and think expensive, maybe not, who knows, all I can say is the service is incredibly good and worth every single penny. I’d go back in a heartbeat at the sight of any issue.
Dental Intravenous (IV) Sedation Frequently Asked Questions
You will feel almost nothing! We also use local anaesthetic during the procedure to reduce any pain.
Yes, due to the sedative effects of the medication, you will need a responsible adult to drive you to our clinic and home again. You must not drive or operate any machinery until the day after your intravenous sedation. The mechanism of the drug is that it is slowly broken down by the body over a 6-24 hour period. It is for this reason that the patient requires supervision for 24 hours after surgery
Yes. You will receive just enough sedation so that you will be relaxed and unconcerned about the dental treatment.
Any procedure that is usually done in our clinic can be done with sedation.
It is normal for the patient to feel drowsy for some hours after treatment and it is important that they do not do the following for at least 24 hours:
- Drive.
- Operate machinery.
- Sign any legal documents.
- Drink alcohol.
- Undertake any potentially dangerous tasks i.e., cook or housework.
A sedated person will give the appearance of being capable of doing the above tasks and making decisions, but THEY ARE NOT. Their judgement will be affected by the drug used.
Dental inhalation (RA) Sedation Frequently Asked Questions
Relaxation, possible drowsiness, slight warmth and a tingling sensation in the feet or hands.
Inhalation sedation only takes a couple of minutes to take effect and will also require a few minutes recovery at the end of treatment.
Fasting is not required; you may have a light meal and a drink 2 hours before the procedure.
Inhalation sedation is administered in the dental chair. The patient inhales the sedation gas through a small piece that sits on the nose, it does not cover your mouth. During the administration of the nitrous oxide staff will check the patient’s level of sedation to ensure they are still able to cooperate and follow verbal instructions.
All patients must be accompanied by another adult who will take them home following the procedure. After inhalation sedation it is advised to avoid active sports for at least two hours.
