Sedation

IV sedation at Etwall Dental Practice is particularly suitable for patients who experience significant dental anxiety or phobia, those who have had a previous traumatic dental experience, patients who need lengthy or complex procedures and would prefer not to be fully alert throughout, and individuals with a sensitive gag reflex that makes dental treatment difficult. Sedation can also be beneficial for people who require multiple treatments to be completed in a single visit. Your dentist will carry out a full assessment before recommending sedation to ensure it is appropriate for your medical history and current health status.

No, IV sedation and general anaesthetic are quite different. Under general anaesthesia you are fully unconscious and unaware of your surroundings. IV sedation is a form of conscious sedation, which means you remain able to respond to instructions from your dentist throughout the procedure but are in a deeply relaxed and drowsy state. You will have little or no memory of the treatment afterwards, making it feel as though you were asleep, but your airway remains under your own control. General anaesthesia carries a higher level of risk and is generally reserved for hospital settings. IV sedation is a safe and effective alternative for complex dental work carried out in the practice.

No, you must not drive yourself home after receiving IV sedation. The effects of the sedative can take up to 24 hours to fully clear your system, meaning your reaction times and judgement will be impaired even if you feel relatively alert. It is a strict requirement that you arrange for a responsible adult to collect you from the practice and accompany you home. You should not drive, operate machinery, make important decisions, sign documents, or drink alcohol for the remainder of the day following your appointment. Your escort should ideally be able to stay with you for a few hours after you return home.

A wide range of dental treatments can be carried out under IV sedation at Etwall Dental Practice, allowing even the most anxious patients to access the care they need comfortably. This includes check-ups and hygiene appointments, tooth extractions, root canal treatment, dental implant placement, and restorative work such as fillings and crowns. Sedation is particularly valuable when several procedures need to be completed in a single sitting, minimising the number of visits required. Your dentist will discuss your treatment plan at your consultation and confirm which procedures can be performed under sedation based on your individual circumstances.

IV sedation is a well-established and safe procedure when administered by a trained and qualified dental team. At Etwall Dental Practice sedation is carried out by experienced professionals trained in conscious sedation techniques and in monitoring patients throughout the procedure. Your medical history, current medications, and general health are all reviewed carefully before sedation is recommended. Throughout your appointment your vital signs are monitored closely and our team remains with you at all times. As with any medical procedure there are small risks, but these are minimised through thorough assessment and the skill and experience of our team.

Your dentist will provide specific pre-appointment instructions when you book your sedation appointment. As a general guide, avoid eating solid food for at least six hours before your appointment and avoid drinking for around two hours beforehand, though small sips of water are usually permitted. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and arrange for a responsible adult to both bring you to the practice and take you home afterwards. Let your dentist know about any medications you are taking, as some may need to be taken or withheld differently on the day. Arriving on time will help ensure your appointment runs smoothly and your dentist can give you their full attention.