Sedation

Sedation can help patients with acute dental anxiety or in preparation for complex surgical dental procedures.

What is sedation?

IV sedation involves the injection of a sedative through a vein in your arm or hand. The sedative makes you feel more relaxed and drowsy before your treatment. Patients often do not remember anything, even though they do not fall asleep.

When administered by your dentist at the practice, sedation is a safe procedure. Talk to your dentist about sedation if you are concerned about your treatment. We will take the time necessary to assess if sedation is right for you. 

When is sedation used?

Being sedated can make it easier to have important dental treatment by reducing levels of anxiety, particularly if you have an acute fear of coming to the dentist. 

At Abacus Dental Care, we can administer sedation to patients if appropriate. However, some medical conditions that require prescription drugs may be incompatible with sedation. You may also be asked not to eat or drink anything in the hours before your treatment. 

Sedation may also be appropriate in the case of: 

• Acute dental anxiety 
• Severe teeth or gum sensitivity
• Difficulty keeping your mouth open
• Oral surgery such as implants 
• Complex or multiple dental procedures 

During sedation, we constantly monitor your vital signs. As sedatives are not painkillers, you will still receive a local anaesthetic to numb the area to be treated.

If you are sedated, you must be accompanied by a responsible adult. After your treatment, the designated person must stay with you until the effects of the sedation have fully worn off, which may take up to 24 hours. In the hours following sedation, you should not drive or operate machinery, smoke or consume alcohol. 

Your dentist will give you all the information you require about sedation during your consultation appointment.