Dental sedation
Sedation is when drugs are used to make you feel less anxious and more relaxed. It will make you drowsy, less aware of what is happening and with few memories of what has happened during your treatment. It does not make you unconscious and you will be aware of what is happening.
If you feel dental sedation is right for you, please contact us for a free 15-minute consultation. During your visit, together we will carry out an assessment and discuss the most suitable sedation option for you.
When dental sedation is offered as a service at Burton Dental Lodge, we are honoured to have the support from the most experienced consultant anaesthetist team from Pilgrim hospital alongside the dental chair – to offer dental sedation under the upmost precision and safety. At our dental practice, we have the relevant, most up to date equipment to carry out these procedures.
We can offer:
Oral sedation
This is prescribed medication that can be taken one tablet, one hour before your visit. You will be a bit drowsy and it is very important that you do not drive and are accompanied to your appointment.
Intra-venous sedation
This is very popular if you are nervous or have a phobia of visiting the dentist. The sedation is provided by a trained professional and can be deep or light. Intravenous sedation is usually given by using a single drug called midazolam. In certain cases, we can also use other medications with the sedation which can provide enhanced pain relief and reduce any post-operative swelling. Again, a chaperone is essential and we can provide this service if required.
Please note, it is advised that you should not drive, operate any heavy machinery, sign any legal documentation or be responsible for the care of children following dental sedation. You should take a day of rest following your dental treatment and can return to normal activities within the next 24 hours.
Your dentist can discuss all of the above options and advise of their suitability, taking any existing medical conditions into consideration.
Is there anything that can help me with my fear of the dentist?
Yes! Some people are so frightened of the dentist that they will not go for treatment until the pain is unbearable. Sedation will help you overcome your fears but you should also understand that modern dentistry has advanced and is now guaranteed to be painless. Our team are specially trained to be understanding, gentle and sympathetic and the serene atmosphere at our practice will help you feel relaxed.
What is sedation?
Dental sedation is “conscious sedation”- a technique involving the use of one or more drugs that induce a sedated, but conscious, state. It is achieved by taking or administering one or more drugs, which, in combination have a potent relaxation effect and also a marked amnesic quality. However, as previously stated and as the name implies, you are conscious throughout and therefore it is a very safe technique, avoiding the risks of general anaesthesia.
How will sedation in the surgery affect me?
You will become drowsy and unaware of any treatment, but you are still able to co-operate with the dentist. However, due to the marked amnesic quality of the drugs used, you will remember nothing and think you have been sleeping. You are awake at the completion of treatment but the effects of the drugs will take some time to wear off completely and an escort home is a legal requirement.
How much does it cost?
Costs vary according to the length of appointment. All costs will be discussed with you at the time of your consultation and you will be given a written estimate of the full costs of your treatment.