Conscious Sedation
Dental sedation is available for people who are anxious about dental treatment or those who have developed a phobia about dentistry. It enables patients who might otherwise avoid or delay treatment to enjoy helathy smiles. We provide conscious sedation in one of three ways: intravenous sedation, oral sedatives or through inhalation nitrous oxide. Both these forms of sedation reduce anxiety but may not provide pain relief - so an injection of local anaesthetic may be required. Our no pain injections are available to diminish anxiety about dental injections. The patient remains conscious throughout the procedure and can communicate with the dentist at all times. A small clip-like device known as a pulse oximeter is place on a patient's finger and is used to monitor the patient's level of consciousness throughout the procedure.
Intravenous Sedation
Intravenous (IV) sedation invoves administration of anti-anxiety drugs into the bloodstream. Though the patient remains conscious throughout the procedure, there may be some amnesia afterwards and the patient may not remember much about the procedure. Patients should not operate machinery or drive after the treatment. Because memory loss may occur as a consequence of the sedative it is recommended that patients do not sign any agreements, etc on the day of the appointment.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedatives, such as diazepam, can be taken by the patient the night before treatment and/or a short time before the appointment depending on the circumstances. Patients who are prescribed the sedative for consumption the night before the dental procedure must not drive to the appointment but should arrange alternative transport. Similarly, patients should not operate machinery or drive after the treatment. Because memory loss may occur as a consequence of the sedative it is recommended that patients do not sign any agreements, etc on the day of the appointment.
Nitrous Oxide
This form of sedation is particularly useful for patients who have a gag reflex since it tends to relieve or eliminate gagging. The procedure involves placing a small mask over the patient's nose and allowing the patient to become comfortable with breathing oxygen through the mask before proceeding any further. Gradually, the dentist will introduce nitrous oxide and check for the patient's response to the nitrous oxide. The patient will tend to experience an increasing sense of calm and may fell some numbness in the hands and perhaps in the mouth. The patient may experience lightheadedness, perspire a little and find their arms and legs become very light or very heavy. We will monitor the patient's vital signs and check for level of consciousness throughout the dental procedure. At the end of the procedure oxygen is re-introduced for a period of about five minutes and the patient's level of awareness checked. After a suitable period of recovery the patient is discharged and is ready to carry on normal activities.
Inhalation sedation is recommeded for patients who have asthma, epilepsy or high blood pressure. It is not recommended for people who have difficulty breathing through their nose or are claustrophobic.
