Intravenous Sedation
The prospect of any dental visit may be daunting for lots of patients, and oral surgery even more so.
Dental Sedation
Intravenous sedation is one of the most effective tools to turn a daunting experience into a positive one. We often find good dental pain relief and a good dental experience will give patients a lot more confidence for all their future dental needs. In most cases, intravenous sedation is an effective form of dental pain relief and a good alternative to a full general anaesthetic (going to sleep in a hospital) for oral surgery.
A small plastic cannula is placed in your arm or hand. The dental sedation given is a combination of a strong painkiller and a sedative which makes you a little bit drowsy, but relaxed. The sedative drug may impair your judgement over the next 24 hours.
Before dental sedation / surgery
- You are required to be nil by mouth for four hours.
- You may have water up until two hours before surgery.
- You must come with a responsible adult who agrees to drive you home and remain with you for 24 hours
After dental sedation / surgery
- Your judgement and co-ordination may be affected by the sedation for 24 hours. During this time:
- You must not be alone
- You must not drive a vehicle or ride a bike
- You must not operate machinery
- You must not care for children
- You must not drink alcohol
- You must not sign documents or make important decisions
