Sedation / Anxious Patients

Conscious sedation is used to help nervous or anxious patients to overcome their dental phobia. While in the dental environment it can be described as giving the patient medication, in reality you remain conscious during IV sedation.

You will also be able to understand and respond to requests from your dentist. However, you may not remember much about what went on because, in most people, IV sedation induces a state of deep relaxation, the medication used for IV sedation can produce partial or complete absence of memory for the period of time you are under sedation.

Before you go ahead with sedation, we will need to do:

• A full examination and assessment to assure you are a candidate for sedation.
• What dental treatment is needed for the patient and measure their level of anxiety.
• A full dental treatment plan.

After the treatment has been completed and the patient has woken, you will need: 

• Someone to collect and take you home.
• Have an adult stay with you until you’re fully alert.
• Don’t perform any strenuous or hazardous activities and don’t drive a motor vehicle for the rest of the day.
• Don’t eat a heavy meal immediately.
• If you’re hungry, eat something light, e. g. liquids and toast.
• If you experience nausea, lie down for a while or drink a sugary drink.
• Don’t drink alcohol for at least 24 hours after the sedation.
• Do not take medications for the rest of the day unless you’ve contacted your dentist first.
• Call the surgery if you have any concerns or questions.