ORAL SEDATION

The technique of oral sedation is designed to help you relax during your treatment. The sedative will be given to you either in liquid or tablet form, the sedative usually takes effect within 20 minutes (approx.). This alone is likely to be enough for your dental treatment to be carried out in a comfortable and safe manner. Sometimes, however with your permission, additional sedation through a small injection in the arm or hand can increase how relaxed you feel. Should this be required you will already be relaxed and feel able to accept this part of treatment.

Depending on your dental treatment, it may be necessary to give an injection of local anesthetic in order to numb the tooth or teeth to be treated. However, it is unlikely that you will remember this injection as you will be deeply sedated at the time when this would be given.

Patients who are trying to conceive or who are pregnant must inform their dentist in advance of their appointment.

Instructions for the day of treatment

You must bring a responsible adult with you WHO IS OVER 18 who is able wait for the duration of the appointment (approx. 90 minutes) and escort you home. Your escort must remain in the building during your treatment and should tell the receptionist if they leave the waiting area.

You must have an accompanying adult for sedation to be given. Please make sure that someone will be able to look after any children, as it should only be you and any adult escorts at your appointment.

Have a light non-fatty meal about 2 hours prior to your treatment.

Take any routine medicines at the normal times.

Inform dentist if you are taking any tablets or medicines and if there has been any recent change in your medical history. Please bring any tablets with you for the dentist to see.

Do not drink any alcohol.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing and please go to the lavatory before your appointment.

During Sedation

During sedation treatment the nurse and the dentist will be there to take care of you. Despite any anxiety before treatment, modern sedation WILL make you relaxed and drowsy.

After Sedation

You will be discharged as soon as you can walk unaided and are feeling “normal” again. You should, if possible, be driven home by a private car or taxi, rather than using public transport. You may feel a little drowsy for up to 6 hours after treatment and should not drive, operate machinery, sign any documents or drink alcoholic drinks until the following day. One of the benefits of the sedation is the feeling of amnesia (forgetfulness). It is possible that you may forget all or part of your treatment, this is quite normal. What you will remember is how well you have done and how much easier you found the treatment than you expected.

If you wish to discuss anything more, either before or after treatment, please telephone the practice.

Please note:- Midazolam for oral sedation is used “off licence” in the UK. This means that it was not tested by the company for this specific use before it was released for use, as an intravenous sedative.

Midazolam has been used orally for many years now, and has been shown to be better than the other drugs we could use. This is why we choose Midazolam to help you have the dental treatment you need and want to have.