Sleep dentistry
Sleep dentistry uses IV sedation to completely allow dental work to be conducted without any fear of pain, anxiety or memory. A qualified medical doctor is employed to safely administer the sleep medicine so our dentists can concentrate on their work.
Intravenous Sedation (sleep dentistry)
What is Intravenous Sedation?
Intravenous sedation is a modern technique that takes the fear out of dentistry and makes the dental treatment a very pleasant experience. It is very suitable for wisdom teeth extraction, implant surgery and for very nervous patients. Usually, more dentistry can be done in one session, therefore saving the patient’s time.
It is suitable for most patients, however if you are not in good health or are taking prescribed medications, it is important to inform your dentist so that the anaesthesia can be modified to suit your needs. Before your treatment you will be asked to fill out a medical history form. Please do this thoroughly, and if you do not understand any of the questions discuss it with your dentist.
The technique involves the injection of small amounts of sedative into a vein in the arm. This is almost painless and the sedative soon takes effect. You become very relaxed and drowsy, and the dental treatment can be carried out quite comfortably. The sedative agents produce amnesia, so it seems that you have been asleep for most of the treatment; however you have merely been deeply sedated and not unconscious, as you would be under a general anaesthetic.
After your treatment you will rest for a while, before being escorted home. While you may feel quite alert after treatment, the sedative agents are not completely eliminated from your body for some hours afterwards, so you will need an escort home and someone responsible to care for you at home for the rest of the day. No food or drink should be taken for 4 hours prior to treatment. Please follow the detailed pre-operative instructions enclosed.
Intravenous sedation is a very pleasant and safe alternative for your dental treatment.
Instructions for Patients undergoing IV sedation
No food should be consumed for at least 4 hours before your treatment. Your last meal should be light; particularly avoid citrus fruits or juices.
Water may be drunk up till 2 hours before treatment.
Wear loose clothing with sleeves that can be easily rolled up.
Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and to care for you for the rest of the day following sedation.
You must not drive, drink alcohol, cook, operate machinery or sign legal documents for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
We strongly recommend that you return directly home and rest following this procedure.
