Your dentist has recommended sedation to help you feel less anxious and more relaxed during dental treatment. Sedation makes you drowsy, less aware of what is happening, and may leave you with few memories of the procedure. You are not unconscious and will still be aware of your surroundings.

Once sedated, your dentist may use local anaesthetic around the treatment area. A numbing paste is sometimes used first, so any injections can be given through the numbed area to reduce discomfort.

Sedative medicines can be given in different ways. You may have sedation by:

• Breathing in gas through a nosepiece (inhalation)
• Injection into a vein in your hand or arm (intravenous)
• Swallowing a medicine (oral)
• Placing a medicine under your tongue or into the nose (transmucosal)

Your dentist will explain which method is recommended for you and why. You’ll receive important instructions to follow before and after treatment. Most types of sedation require a responsible adult to accompany you, stay during your appointment, take you home, and provide support afterwards.

Before treatment begins, your dentist will ask you to confirm your consent. If you have any questions at any stage, please ask.

If instructions are not followed, your treatment may not be able to go ahead.

Intravenous (IV) Sedation

You have chosen to have your treatment using intravenous (IV) sedation. This helps you feel calm, relaxed and often sleepy during treatment. Many people remember little or nothing about the procedure, though memories formed beforehand are not affected.

A responsible adult must escort you to the appointment, stay in the Clinic throughout your treatment, and remain with you for 24 hours afterwards. After the procedure, you will stay in the surgery until your dentist confirms it is safe for you to go home.

IV sedation is safe and effective when all instructions are followed.

Before your appointment for sedation

• Eat a light meal beforehand and drink water.
• Do not starve or limit fluids.
• Do not drink alcohol.
• Arrive 15 minutes early to complete paperwork.
• A responsible adult must accompany you, stay throughout, take you home, and stay with you for 24 hours.
• They must not bring children or dependants.
• Arrange suitable transport home — you cannot drive. Travel by car or taxi only. 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 clothing, short sleeves, and flat shoes.
• Continue taking your usual medications unless advised otherwise.
• Tell your dentist if your medication has changed, or if you have recently seen a doctor or attended hospital.

After your appointment for sedation

• Rest for a few hours and take the remainder of the day quietly.
• If your mouth is numb, take care not to bite or burn yourself.
• Eat light, easily digested food for the rest of the day.
• Take usual medications unless advised otherwise.
• Follow all instructions from your dentist.

For 24 hours after sedation, your judgement, reactions, and memory may be affected. Find about more about Accompanying Patients Receiving IV Sedation below.

You must NOT (for 24 hours):

• 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 breastfeeding, do not breastfeed for 24 hours and discard any expressed milk during this time.

Please Do:

• Eat a light meal and drink water beforehand
• Bring a responsible adult who will stay with you for 24 hours
• Take prescribed medication as normal (unless advised otherwise)
• Wear short sleeves, flat shoes, and comfortable clothing
• Inform the dentist of any medication changes
• Arrange appropriate transport home
• Arrive 15 minutes early

Please Don’t:

• Bring children or dependants
• Starve or restrict fluids
• Wear nail varnish or acrylic nails
• Wear contact lenses
• Wear makeup (especially lipstick)
• Wear jewellery
• Drink alcohol
• Take recreational drugs for one week before the appointment