Sedation is sometimes used during dental treatment to help people feel less anxious and more relaxed. Although the drugs used make you feel drowsy and less aware of what is happening during treatment, they do not make you unconscious.

Once you are sedated, the dentist may also use local anaesthetic to numb the site of the treatment. Local anaesthetic as a paste is sometimes used to numb the site of the treatment. Any injections you need will then be given through this numbed area to minimise any discomfort.

Sedative drugs (medicines) can be given in a number of ways and your dentist will decide, with you, which type is the best for your planned dental treatment.

There are different levels of sedation and several methods can be used. You may have sedation by:

• breathing in gas through a nosepiece (inhalation)
• injection into a vein in your hand or arm (intravenous)
• swallowing medicine (oral)
• placing medicine under your tongue or into the nose (transmucosal)

For most types of sedation, you will need a responsible adult to come with you, stay in the clinic, and accompany you home afterwards. They will also receive guidance on how to care for you after treatment.

This leaflet provides general information. Your dentist may give you additional instructions specific to your needs or your treatment plan.

Before any treatment begins, your dentist will ask you to confirm your consent, this means that you understand the planned procedure and the sedation method being used. If you have any questions at any stage, please ask your dentist.

If you do not follow the instructions in this leaflet, your treatment may not be able to go ahead.

Intravenous sedation

Dental treatment with intravenous (IV) sedation often makes people feel sleepy and comfortable during treatment. This type of sedation often makes patients sleepy and comfortable during treatment. Many people remember little or nothing about the procedure afterwards, but it does not affect memories formed before the sedation was given.

A responsible adult must escort you to your appointment and stay in the clinic during your treatment. After treatment, you will remain in the surgery until the dentist is satisfied that you are safe to go home. You must then have an adult stay with you for 24 hours.

IV sedation is a very effective and safe way of reducing anxiety during dental treatment. All medicines carry some risks, but the risks associated with IV sedation are extremely low when all instructions are followed.

Before your appointment for sedation

Eat a light meal before your appointment and drink water. Do not starve or limit fluids. Do not drink alcohol. Arrive 15 minutes early to complete any required paperwork.

Patients must not bring children or dependents with them and should be accompanied by an adult who can drive them home as using public transport or walking are not suitable after sedation.

Do not wear nail varnish, acrylic nails, contact lenses, makeup (especially lipstick), jewellery, or tight clothing. Wear loose, comfortable clothes, short sleeves, and flat shoes.

Continue taking your usual medications unless your dentist advises otherwise.

Inform your dentist if your medication has changed or if you have seen a doctor or attended hospital since the appointment was arranged.

After your appointment for sedation

• rest for a few hours after sedation and take the remainder of the day quietly
• if your mouth is numb from local anaesthetic, take care not to bite or burn yourself until the numbness wears off
• eat light, easily digested food for the rest of the day
• take your usual medications unless instructed otherwise
• follow all instructions given to you by your dentist

For 24 hours after sedation, your reactions, judgement, and memory may be affected.

YOU MUST NOT:

• drive any vehicle
• go to work
• look after children or dependants
• operate machinery
• use the internet
• use household appliances (e.g., cookers, kettles, irons)
• make important decisions or sign documents
• drink alcohol or use recreational drugs

If you are breastfeeding you can continue to feed your child after midazolam sedation as long as you are awake and alert. However, you may feel drowsy, and your judgement may be impaired for up to 24 hours afterwards, so you will need to have another adult with you who can look after you and help you care for your child.

Further information and advice on breastfeeding following dental sedation can be found on the Breastfeeding Network website: Dental Sedation Factsheet

Please Do

• eat a light meal and drink water beforehand
• bring a responsible adult who will remain with you for 24 hours
• take prescribed medication as normal (unless advised otherwise)
• wear short sleeves, flat shoes, and comfortable clothing
• tell the dentist about any medication changes
• arrange appropriate transport home
• arrive 15 minutes early

Please Don’t

• bring children or dependants to the appointment
• starve or restrict fluids
• wear nail varnish or acrylic nails
• wear contact lenses
• wear jewellery, makeup, especially lipstick
• drink alcohol
• take recreational drugs for one week before the appointment

Please be aware that if you do not attend your appointment you may be discharged and not offered another appointment.