Sedation

Oral sedation

Oral sedation is prescribed in the form of a tablet or liquid and given to the patient approximately one hour before the appointment. Patients that benefit most tend to be the ones that considering the procedure being done just want to take the edge off. The most common is known as Valium®. This can be quite effective and many patients enjoy its benefits.

Valium will often make you drowsy, but you will still be able to communicate with your dentist. Sometimes it can make an even fall asleep. For this reason, it is imperative that a family or friend drive you home after your appointment.

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)

Nitrous oxide is one of the most tested and commonly used forms of sedation in our practice. A nose piece is placed over and a combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide is administered. It usually takes about five minutes for the station to start working and we will often adjust the settings to give you the right balance. This is a light form of sedation that will leave you pleasantly relaxed. Once the procedure is over, we will flush oxygen through you're nose piece and shortly after your appointment you will return to normal and can drive home.

Just about anyone can have laughing gas.

IV sedation (Serene day surgery)

Intravenous sedation is the deepest form of conscious sedation used in our practice undertaken approximately once a month.

An IV line is placed into your arm and the relevant sedative medications are administered to put you in a deep sleep like state that will leave you with little to no memory of your procedure.

This form of sedation is chosen by approximately 90% of patients whom want to remove their wisdom teeth that require surgery but is also used for more general procedures for highly anxious patients.

Other patients choose this when they have a significant amount of dental work to do and would prefer to complete it all in one setting.

Once the procedure is over, you will need someone to accompany you. Sometimes the medications given can take up to 12 hours to leave your system, so it imperative you do not undertake any tasks that require motor skills, such as driving a vehicle. You should also not undertake any critical tasks that require your full attention, such as looking after little children.