IV sedation is administered by certified specialists at our practice in Elephant & Castle, SE1.
Dental fear is a common deterrent for patients visiting us. For these individuals, procedural sedation aids the completion of often necessary and life-changing treatments.
IV sedation is the most recommended effective route to relieve patient anxiety – but it requires advanced training and education to administer. Dr Patel, our specialist oral surgeon and consultant administers all intravenous sedation at our dental clinic and is assisted by nurses trained in patient care and monitoring.
Four main facts about IV sedation:
We understand that for nervous patients, even undergoing IV sedation might be nerve-wracking, so we’ve listed our most common questions below to cover all the information you’ll need before booking an appointment. Together, we can achieve your treatment goals and make it a process you can experience better.
With intravenous anaesthetics, patients should follow a few pre-operative instructions and adhere to critical aftercare recommendations.
IV sedation, also referred to sleep dentistry or conscious sedation causes the patient to feel utterly relaxed to the point of being sleepy. IV sedation does not make you sleep but as it gives you a general sense of detachment, and relaxes your mind and body, most patients drift off during their procedure.
There are different levels of sedation, which are detailed in the next section of this page – but mostly you’ll be conscious and responsive – this is so you do not lose vital protective reflexes like the ability to cough.
After the procedure many patients find that they have little to no recollection of their treatment – no memory = no pain.
Intravenous sedation is given through a small plastic tube, referred to as a cannula, which is put into a vein on the back of your hand. The insertion of the cannula is very fast and simple.
Dr Patel will administer small amounts of the drug over a period of time until you’re comfortable, sufficiently sedated and ready to begin.
Our sedation dentist will monitor you from the start of the procedure alongside experienced nurses trained in caring for patients under sedation. We’ll also be using medical equipment to record your pulse, blood oxygen levels and an on-going assessment of your breathing rate.
Once you’re sedated, we will be able to administer local anaesthetic to numb the area of surgery, which will be given slowly and carefully before the operation begins.
Following the operation, a small recovery window is required until the immediate effects of sedation begin to wear off.
Monitoring will still continue during this time and all relevant postoperative instructions will be discussed with your escort.
Once you’ve sufficiently recovered, you’ll be discharged home, where you should take it easy for the rest of the day.
The length of your sedation treatment will depend on the length of your operation or treatment. For example, a single implant would only require one hour of IV sedation, whereas full mouth procedures like All on 4 might take a bit longer. Learn more about dental implant healing.
Alternatives to sedation are local anaesthetic alone or general anaesthesia.
By law, we must obtain the patient’s written consent to proceed with IV sedation. Before signing patients will be fully explained the risks, benefits and alternatives.
With 500+ Google reviews and growing, our dental practice is rated one of the best in the South East London area.
