Dental Services /

Sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry is the ideal way for us to help our nervous patients feel comfortable enough to get their dental work done. Often nervous patients put off their dental treatment, which leads to bigger, more extensive problems.

Sedation dentistry helps you to feel completely relaxed and at ease during your procedure by using a type of sedative called an Amnesiac. These sedatives help your nervous system to completely relax and will often leave you with little or no memory of the experience. Known as conscious sedation, it allows you to be conscious enough to respond to your dentist whilst you undergo treatment, but sleepy and relaxed enough that you feel no pain or anxiety. Safety is a top priority for us here at Pacific dental, so you can rest assured we will be monitoring your vital signs throughout your appointment.

Types of sedation

Oral Sedation

Tablet you take before your appointment

Nitrous Oxide
(or laughing gas)

Oral Sedation

Administered via a needle in your arm

Each of these offers different levels of sedation. Your dentist will assess your needs and in consultation with you will advise on the most appropriate option, based on your treatment, how long it will take and of course how nervous or anxious you are.

What To Expect

On the day of your appointment, you will be advised not to eat or drink anything for at least 6 hours before your treatment. We understand that you will still be feeling anxious about your upcoming dental procedure, so it is a good idea to ask a close friend or family member to come along with you to hold your hand. (You will need a ride home after your treatment as you will not be fit to drive for at least 24hrs after sedation.)

Once you arrive, you will be given your chosen sedative and we’ll get you settled in the treatment room. We will monitor you closely, and once you show signs of reaching the required sedation level, your treatment will begin. Throughout the procedure we will continue to monitor your level of consciousness and make adjustments as needed to ensure you have just the right amount to keep you comfortable and relaxed.

After Your Appointment

Once your treatment has been completed and your consciousness has improved, we will release you into the care of your companion who may take you home. You will likely continue to feel very relaxed and drowsy for up to 6 hours after you have had the sedative, so we recommend you spend the rest of the day resting and drinking plenty of fluids.

WARNING!

You may not drive or operate any machinery for 24hrs following your sedation appointment.