Your dentist has recommended that you have your dental treatment with the help of sedation. Sedation is when drugs are used to make you feel less anxious and more relaxed. It will make you drowsy, less aware of what is happening and with few memories of what has happened to you during your treatment. It does not make you unconscious and you will be aware of what is happening.

Once you are sedated, the dentist may use local anaesthetic around the site of the dental 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. 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 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 will also receive important instructions to follow before and after treatment.

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 (IV) Sedation

You have chosen to have your dental treatment with intravenous (IV) sedation, which will help you feel calm and relaxed. 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. Your escort must then 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 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