IV Sedation
Intravenous Sedation in dentistry is the latest in modern dental techniques to help make some quite scary
procedures as pleasant as possible. Taking the fear out of dental treatments, this sedation option is suitable for
most people. However, if you aren’t in good health or are taking regular medication, be sure to notify your dentist or
surgeon so that we may take the necessary precautions.
The procedure involves the administration of a sedative called ‘Hypnovel’ (a small amount!) that is quick to take effect.
The injection is painless and is administrated into a vein in the arm. Following sedation, the patient will quickly become extremely
relaxed and drowsy, and the procedure will then be able to be carried out comfortably.
This sedative will NOT knock the patient out but rather put them into a state where they won’t feel
or remember the procedure due to the amnesia (forgetfulness) produced by the sedative agent.
This is important as the patient is then still able to follow instructions from the dentist and
breathe on their own accord; they just won’t remember it! A local anaesthetic injection is still required. However, it will not cause any discomfort due to the patient being unable to
remember any of it.
After the procedure is completed, the patient will then need to rest for a short while before being escorted home
(so sort out a friend or family member to come in with you!). This is crucial as although the patient will feel alert
and back to themselves, the sedative will still be present in their system for the next few hours.
Intravenous sedation is the most pleasant way for dental surgeries and procedures to be carried out, so just follow these instructions, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Whether it’s a simple check-up or a complicated procedure, here at West Harbour Dental, we ultimately strive to help you feel as at ease as humanly possible.
Instructions:
Pre-Op:
- Organise a friend, family member or loved one to escort you both to and from the appointment
- NO FOOD 4 hours before the scheduled appointment time
- NO FLUIDS 30min before the scheduled appointment time
- Report ANY details of drugs being taken or that have been taken in the last week to two weeks, namely tranquillisers such as sleeping pills
- Go to the toilet before the appointment
- Wear loose-fitting clothing
- Remove contact lenses and any facial piercings
- Remove nail polish
Post-Op:
- Whatever you do, DO NOT DRIVE a vehicle until the following day
- DO NOT sign any legal documents
- DO NOT consume alcohol until at least the following day
- Go straight home and rest under supervision
- Additional post-op instructions will be given to your escort
Note:
-
Do not attend your IV appointment if you are suffering from a cold, influenza,
flu-like symptoms or any other infection for that matter.
Just give us a call and let us know. We are more than happy to reschedule your
appointment for a time when you are feeling better – with no added cost!
*If you have any other questions that haven’t been covered, please call us; we are only too happy to help!
