We’re one of the lucky dentists in Surrey and the UK, who can offer nervous patients IV sedation to help them relax during complex procedures.
IV Sedation offered at our practice in Surrey from £375
Chances are, if you’ve landed here, you’re a nervous or phobic patient – and that’s ok. It’s more common than you might think, and our practice in Surrey is set up to accommodate patients who are more anxious about undergoing certain treatments and procedures.
With an oral surgeon on our team, we have the privilege of helping our very nervous patients be more comfortable during their surgeries or complex procedures using intravenous sedation (twilight sedation) and analgesics. Using dental sedation as a form of pain control, patients can feel relaxed to the point of falling asleep. Conscious sedation, or monitored anaesthesia care, is often prescribed for minor surgeries like dental implant surgeries, where the procedure is relatively short and local anaesthetic is not sufficient enough or general anaesthesia is unnecessary.
IV Sedation in a nutshell
Ultimately, IV sedation will be right for you if:
- You have moderate or high dental anxiety
- You require more painful dental work
- You need more extensive, multiple procedures
The cost of IV sedation will be an additional charge on top of your dental treatment. We offer conscious sedation by the hour, so considering it takes an hour for an implant to be placed, it would cost £375 to undergo this procedure with conscious sedation.
IV Sedation Explained:
- Conscious but less aware of your surroundings
- Responsive to verbal commands and gentle nudging
- Sedation is administered intravenously (through a vein)
- Dentists can monitor vitals and adjust the dosage
- Creates a long period of amnesia – no memory upon waking
- Patients are cooperative for a longer period
- Fast and acting and speedy recovery
- Midazolam is often the prime sedation – part of the benzodiazepine group
IV sedation instructions
Before booking IV sedation at our clinic in East Molesey, it’s best to read through the requirements below before and after the procedure. When undergoing IV sedation with Gentle Dental, you will be required to sign a document beforehand ensuring you’ve understood the safety precautions and measures you need to take following the administration of sedation.
On top of this, before we schedule for IV sedation, you will be required to undergo a health evaluation, including a review of your medical history and medication use. Older patients with significant medical considerations must have a consultation prior with one of our specialists to ensure they are a good candidate for the procedure.
You will not be required to fast if you undergo local anaesthetic or intravenous sedation treatment. We would advise patients to eat a light meal up to two hours before their appointment.
- If you take any prescription medicines, take these as normal, as we would have already checked these are compatible with the sedative used before your appointment.
- Flat-heeled shoes are recommended as you might be unsteady on your feet for a few hours after your sedation visit.
- No nail varnish or false nails as a pulse monitor will need to shine through your fingernail during the treatment.
- A responsible adult must be available and ready to escort you home after your visit. We will not discharge you without a personal present to take you home.
- Go to the toilet beforehand as once the sedation is administered you will need to be continuously monitored.
We can wake you once the procedure is over, and you’ll stir quickly once the medications are stopped. Some possible side effects, like drowsiness or a headache, might be felt afterwards. Still, these effects are fewer than you would have from general anaesthesia, which means you can recover and go home faster to rest.
- Do not drive or operate machinery.
- Do not consume alcohol or sleeping tablets 24 hours following surgery.
IV Sedation is commonly used with these treatments
The ability to offer IV sedation means we have undergone extra training and have specialist surgeons in place to carry out your intravenous successfully and safely.
Enquire about dental sedation
IV Sedation FAQs
Answers to the questions our intravenous sedation patients want to know the most:
- Are you awake during IV sedation? IV sedation does not put you to sleep. However, the effects will put you in a very relaxed state, where you might nod off. Typically patients are responsive and conscious as they can answer any prompted questions during the surgery.
- What do they do in an IV sedation? Under the direction of the oral surgeon, the anesthesiologist will use a sedative drug to relax your body and relieve you from pain. IV sedation is particularly effective as patients are often left with no memory of the procedure taking place. Administered through a cannula on the back of your hand or arm, the drugs will enter the bloodstream and take effect quickly – usually within minutes.
- How long are you asleep with IV sedation? As the effects of IV sedation are experienced relatively quickly, most patients fall asleep roughly 15-30 minutes after administration. In the case of dental implant surgery, you’ll be under conscious sedation for around an hour and wake up roughly 20 minutes after we remove the IV. Full recovery from sedative effects will take place within six hours.
- How will I feel after IV sedation? IV sedation is the strongest form of conscious sedation. Therefore, during the procedure, patients will have moderate to high amnesia. Following the procedure, patients will typically feel drowsy and can expect a good night’s sleep. Drowsiness will subside several hours later.
- How painful is IV sedation? The point of IV sedation is that patients feel no pain. Referred to as sleep dentistry, you’ll still be conscious but at peace. The administration of the IV will be quick and painless – but we can take extra steps if you’re particularly nervous about this part. There is no panic associated with IV sedation.
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