The Patient Journey - IV Sedation
Step one
Once a referral has been made by your dentist, a member of the Dental Sedation Solutions team will contact you to arrange a pre-operative assessment. This visit involves an explanation of conscious sedation techniques which are appropriate for you.
It is a chance to discuss all of your concerns and anxieties about dental treatment so we can find the most suitable technique for you. It will involve a medical assessment. Please bring along information of any medical conditions, and prescribed medications along with their doses.
All dental treatment provided under sedation legally requires written consent from yourself, and so you will be asked to sign a consent form at this appointment. You will be provided with written instructions on how to prepare for your dental sedation treatment so you can be fully prepared on the day.
Step two
Once the sedationist has confirmed you are suitable for sedation, your dental practice will contact you to arrange a convenient appointment for your sedation treatment.
On the day a friendly member of our team will greet you and your chaperone to go through pre-operative checks such as confirming when you last had any food or drink or that you have not consumed alcohol for 24 hours prior. Your chosen adult chaperone must arrive with you and take you home after the procedure. They will not be able to remain in the treatment room during your surgery. It is important that you have complied with all pre-operative instructions so that your surgery can go ahead safely.
Our team will be there to support you and manage your anxieties before your treatment starts.
Step three
An experienced sedationist or anaesthetist will place a cannula in the back of your hand or the crease of your elbow to give you intravenous sedatives to help you relax throughout your dental treatment. You will remain awake but feel relaxed and calm within a few minutes.
Your dentist will not start any treatment until you are happy to do so.
During your procedure, our experienced and dedicated team will closely monitor your breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. They can also top up the sedatives as necessary to ensure you remain comfortable.
Step four
After the procedure, we will closely monitor you in the dental chair or a private recovery area. A member of our team will stay with you throughout this time.
Post-operative instructions will be explained to you and your chaperone whilst you recover after the procedure.
Once the sedatives have sufficiently worn off and you feel orientated and able to walk without assistance, you will be able to leave the premises under the care of your escort.
Step five
Relax!
After sedation, it is normal to feel sleepy and experience amnesia. The sedatives will remain in your system for 24 hours. During this time you must be accompanied by a responsible adult and not engage in any dangerous tasks or activities.
Both yourself and your chaperone must not be caring for any dependants or young children, you must keep yourself safe and ensure the safety of others around you during this time. Do not drive, play sports, return to work or make any irreversible decisions including signing any legal documents for 24 hours following the sedation. This will be explained beforehand in your pre-assessment.
If you feel unwell or have any queries once you return home, please contact our team to discuss.
Step six
A member of the Dental Sedation Solutions team will contact you the day after your procedure to ensure you you were happy with the service provided by our team. We aim to provide the highest quality of care so your feedback is always welcomed.
After nearly 15 years of avoiding the dentist due to needle phobia Shilpa has been a life/teeth saver. Sedation helped me finally get back to the dentist and get my smile back. Thank you!
James C. - Patient Review
Shilpa and her team have been so patient and kind while working with me. Being able to trust your dentist is so important, especially when you are anxious about going and they make so much effort to ensure I feel comfortable and safe throughout.
Caroline W. - Patient Review
Tips on avoiding tooth decay and what to avoid
Cavities
When you consume sugar, it immediately begins interacting with the plaque bacteria in your mouth to produce acid. The acid then dissolves your enamel slowly, creating the cavities in your teeth, thereby making the acid the culprit for tooth decay — not the sugar.
Snacks
Teeth-friendly snacks are things like fresh fruit, vegetables and savoury foods, such as bread, low fat cheese, crackers or breadsticks. Try to avoid sugary foods such as sweets, biscuits and cakes between meals.
Think before you drink
For drinks between meals try water or milk. Avoid fruit juice including smoothies, squashes and fizzy drinks, only have these at mealtimes - these are seen as a healthy drink but not good for your teeth.
Brush, brush, brush!
Get into the habit of brushing after breakfast and last thing at night. Use a brush with a small compact head and soft to medium bristles with a small pea-sized amount of toothpaste. For added protection, use standard fluoride toothpaste with a minimum of 1350ppm (parts per million) unless otherwise advised by your dentist. Remember, kinds of toothpaste such as charcoal and natural products may not contain fluoride which helps protect your teeth.