Seda­tion Den­tistry Safe­ty: What Patients Need to Know Before Their Appointment

Sedation dentistry is becoming more popular as more patients opt for longer cosmetic procedures. It’s also helping those with a serious fear of the dentist to access the essential care that they need.

In this guide, we’re taking a deep dive into the role of sedation dentistry in our practice and how it might help you to overcome your phobias. We’ll also look at what you need to know before your treatment so you can feel as confident as possible.

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation is often used in the medical profession to put a person to sleep so they cannot feel treatment and so they will be still and calm during their treatment. When you are put to sleep, this is known as a general anaesthetic.

Anaesthetic is used in dentistry, but it is more often a local anaesthetic. This type of pain relief prevents you from feeling a localised area, such as one side of your jaw. With this type of pain relief, you are fully awake and aware, but you cannot feel any sensations in the area.

Another type of sedation used in dentistry is oral conscious sedation. This is when you take a pill that helps you to relax and feel calm during your treatment. You aren’t asleep, but you are in a relaxed twilight state.

This can help long procedures to fly by, and you won’t hold onto memories of the treatment. You’ll also be very relaxed, which can make it much easier for your dentist to work as you won’t be tense or flinching.

What happens during a sedation dentistry appointment?

If you opt for sedation dentistry, your dentist will first check that you are a good candidate. You need to be reasonably healthy and not have any heart problems that could cause issues.

You may be given a pill to take before the appointment, or one to take when you arrive. This is often preferable to an injection, as one of the main reasons that people feel afraid of the dentist is a fear of needles.

After taking your pill, you will start to feel very relaxed and calm. Your dentist will still use local anaesthetic to numb the area. You will still be conscious but you may feel less alert. If you do drift off to sleep (and this is quite common) your dentist will easily be able to wake you with a tap on the arm.

The treatment will seemingly fly by much more quickly. At the end of the treatment, you will need someone to escort you home as you won’t be able to drive and we don’t recommend travelling by public transport alone.

You will still feel sleepy and relaxed for around 12-24 hours after your treatment. Most patients simply want to go home and sleep off the sedation. It’s a good idea to stay hydrated during this time.

What do I need to know beforehand?

If you are planning a longer dental procedure and would like to think about dental sedation to help you to relax or to help manage your fear, there are a few things to consider.

First, you will need someone to accompany you to your appointment and to take you home again. It’s helpful if they can stay with you until the next day or check on you for added peace of mind.

You cannot drive and we don’t recommend returning to work after dental sedation. Most people simply want to sleep it off after their appointment. Your dentist will give you instructions for how to manage your care after your appointment. It’s important that you follow these, as aftercare is more important when there is sedation involved.

At the same time that the sedation is wearing off, your local anaesthetic will also be wearing off. You may want to start taking painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol after your appointment so that you don’t experience any discomfort.

Who can’t have sedation at the dentist?

There are some medical conditions that might prevent you from having sedation at the dentist. This includes issues with your breathing or anything that causes low blood pressure.

During your initial consultation with your dentist, it is vital that you are honest about your medical history.If you are unsure, your dentist can speak to your GP to confirm that it will be safe for you to undergo dental sedation. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you won’t be able to have sedation due to the risks to your child.

Dentists are closely monitored to ensure they are delivering dental sedation safely. You should be able to ask questions at any time during your treatment, so don’t be afraid to speak up if anything is unclear.

Final thoughts on sedation dentistry safety

Sedation dentistry is a popular choice for patients who are very nervous about treatment or those who are worried about being uncomfortable during their treatment. It is heavily monitored and regulated in the dental industry, so you can feel confident that it is carried out safely and with expertise. To book an appointment with our team and learn more about how we carry out dental sedation get in touch.