Intravenous sedation is used to help you to relax during minor surgical procedures. It is not the same as having a general anaesthetic. The sedative is given by injection into a vein (intravenous) in your arm or the back of your hand.
You will be relaxed but not asleep and be able to talk and respond to instructions. You will also receive local anaesthetic (an injection into your gums) so that the treatment can be carried out. Afterwards you may have little or no memory of the procedure.
If you are having intravenous sedation there are some rules that you must follow for your safety:
On the day of your treatment
Remember to tell your Oral Surgeon before your treatment of any changes in your medical history, your medication and if you have asthma or any allergies.
You can have a light meal up to 2 hours before your treatment if you wish.
You can drink clear fluids and take any medications as normal unless you have been instructed otherwise.
Do not drink any alcohol.
Treatment and recovery time is usually 1-2 hours.
After your treatment
You should stay at home resting quietly for about 24 hours.
Do not drive a car, drink alcohol, use machinery (such as a kettle or a bike), do any work or make important decisions for 24 hours to allow the effects of the sedation to wear off.
You can eat and drink normally as soon as you feel like it.
If you have any pain, do not hesitate to take the painkillers as directed.
Find about more about Accompanying Patients Receiving IV Sedation below.
Patient check list prior to intravenous sedation
- You have arranged a responsible adult to attend your appointment with you.
- Ensure that the responsible adult will remain with you for 24 hours after the procedure.
- You have arranged transport to go home by car or taxi, not public transport or walking.
- Made appropriate arrangements for children/ dependents care as you will be unable to look after them for 24 hours.
- Arranged time off work for the day of the procedure and the day after.
- Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before and after your appointments.
- Have a light meal, before the appointment (such as a breakfast or lunch).
- Ensure that after sedation, you do not make important decisions, sign important.
Accompanying Patients Undergoing IV Sedation
This is not a general anaesthetic – the patient will not be fully asleep. They will still be able to talk, but they may not remember the procedure afterwards.
What are your responsibilities?
- You must come with the patient and stay in the department’s waiting area for the whole appointment.
- You must not leave the hospital while the patient is sedated.
- You will need to look after the patient when they go home and for the next 24 hours.
- You must take the patient home in a private car or taxi – not public transport.
- Hospital transport (ambulance) is not allowed.
- You must not have any other care duties (e.g., looking after children or dependent adults) while responsible for the sedated patient.
- Children under 16 and dependent adults cannot attend the appointment with you.
After the appointment
For 24 hours the patient must NOT:
- Drive or cycle
- Go back to work
- Use machinery or household appliances (cooker, iron, etc.)
- Drink alcohol or take recreational drugs
- Make important decisions or sign legal papers
- Shop online or post on social media
- Look after young children or dependent adults
The patient MUST:
- Go home straight away and rest indoors
- Take their normal medicines at the usual times unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional