Conscious Sedation
Conscious sedation is widely used as a means of reducing anxiety during dental procedures.
‘Sedation’ is essentially ‘a technique in which the use of a drug or drugs produces a state of depression of the central nervous system’ (Wylie Report 1978). Verbal contact is maintained throughout the sedation and although with intravenous and oral sedation there is often some amnesia, the patient is always ‘conscious’.
There are 3 main types of conscious sedation: INHALATION, ORAL and INTRAVENOUS.
Inhalation Sedation (Nitrous Oxide / Laughing gas)
Nitrous Oxide is a colourless and odourless gas which, (in combination with oxygen), can be used to produce light sedation when inhaled via a nasal hood/mask. As it is fast, safe and is easily and quickly reversible, it is often the preferred sedation technique with children, in emergency situations, and for quick, basic dental procedures.
Intravenous Sedation
Intravenous (IV) sedation is a reliable and effective means of producing more profound sedation with a rapid onset of action. Midazolam is the most common drug used. IV sedation is ideal for longer or more difficult dental procedures e.g. extractions, or multiple restorations. Amnesia is quite common with IV sedation; however some patients are able to recall some of their treatment, allowing them to build positive memories and experiences of dental treatment.
Oral Sedation
With oral sedation, the sedative is taken either in liquid or tablet form.
Tablet- A tablet (often diazepam or tempazepam) taken one hour prior to the dental visit can take the edge off any anxiety. Some people also find it beneficial to take a tablet the night before their appointment to help them sleep.
Liquid- Midazolam is a commonly used oral sedative. As it is a liquid, it can be mixed with orange juice and drunk at your appointment. The sedative will usually take effect within about twenty minutes.
Midazolam for oral sedation is used “off licence” in the UK. This means that it was not tested by the company for this specific use before it was released for use, as an intravenous sedative. Midazolam has been safely used orally for many years now, and has been shown to be better than other drugs we could use.
SEDATION INSTRUCTION LEAFLET
***ALL PATIENTS MUST ARRIVE FOR THE TREATMENT WITH A RESPONSIBLE ADULT ESCORT. TREATMENT WILL ONLY BE PROVIDED WHEN AN ESCORT IS PRESENT***
On the day of your appointment:
- DO bring a responsible adult
- DO continue to take any prescribed medicines
- DO give the staff details of any change to your medical history
- DO wear loose fitting clothing and comfortable flat shoes
- AVOID drinking any alcohol
- AVOID wearing nail varnish
- AVOID bringing children with you
- AVOID having a heavy meal before your appointment – it is important however that you do have something light and sugary about an hour or so before your appointment.
- After your appointment (and until the following day):
- REST- Put your feet up, perhaps even have a nap.
- Have a responsible adult to look after you for 12 hours
- Take any medicines you have been given
- AVOID driving any vehicle
- AVOID using any domestic appliances
- AVOID signing any important documents
- AVOID drinking any alcohol
- Patients who are trying to conceive or who are pregnant must inform their dentist in advance of their appointment.
- Please contact the clinic if you have any enquiries before or after your sedation and dental treatment.
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