As the words suggest, Conscious Sedation means you remain conscious throughout the dental procedure and you can still respond to commands. However, your consciousness is reduced. A combination of sedative and pain-relieving drugs is given through your vein to help you get to a relaxed state of mind. Your treatment can then be carried out without you knowing, feeling or remembering it afterwards. Dentists are still able to retain verbal contact with patients who have been sedated using this technique.
Some of the reasons why you may want to choose Sedation Dentistry include sensitive teeth, bad gag reflex, complex dental problems, difficulty getting numb, don’t like the taste, smell or noise of dentistry, limited time or just simply scared of the dentist.
Reasons For Sedation Dentistry
- Dental phobia and anxiety
- Sensitive Teeth
- Bad Gag Reflex
- Ineffective local anaesthetic for whatever reason
- Complex dental procedures
- Dislike the smell, noise or taste of dentistry
- Limited time
What Happens During Sedation?
A qualified sedationist will administer the intravenous drugs. It usually takes ten to fifteen minutes for effects to become noticeable. You will enter into a state of tranquility and dental treatment will begin. When treatment is finished, you will be brought out of the twilight state of consciousness. You will not be allowed to drive, operate any machinery, or catch the public transport. You will need to arrange someone to escort you home safely.
What Happens Before and After Sedation?
Prior to the procedure, our sedationist will go through your medical history and give pre-operative instructions accordingly. You will need to arrange someone to drive you to and from the surgery, and stay with you for the rest of the day post treatment.
On the day of the procedure, you will be asked to refrain from eating and drinking, including water, at least 6 hours prior to your appointment. As you come out of sedation, you will be monitored in the surgery until you are ready to go home.
After the procedure is finished, you may feel a little disorientated for the rest of the day. Your escort will need to take you home and stay with you for the rest of the day. Post-operative instructions will be given.
Sedation dentistry can be a very safe procedure when administered by a qualified sedationist, like at Sparkling Dental. Your dental problems can now be fixed without fear! So if you think Conscious Sedation is for you, call us on (02) 9953 0088. We are open Monday to Thursday 8:00am- 6:00pm, Friday 8:00am- 5:00pm, Saturday 8:00am-1:00 pm.
