Question 1

What is conscious sedation?

Accepted Answer

Sedation is when drugs are given to help you feel more relaxed during a surgical procedure.
Conscious (IV) sedation reduces anxiety to allow dental treatment to be carried out. A sedative drug Midazolam) induces a hypnotic semi- conscious state.
It is a choice for 
- making oral surgery procedures comfortable
- for the treatment of very nervous patients 
- and/or patients with dental anxiety or fear of the dentist and needles
Oral Surgeons are trained to give the right amount of sedative. Your Oral Surgeon will stay with you during your treatment and monitor your breathing and oxygen levels.

Question 2

What happens during IV sedation?

Accepted Answer

You will feel very relaxed and sleepy
You will be sleepy but can talk and follow simple instructions if asked
You may drift off to sleep at times, but will be easy to wake

Question 3

What are the benefits if sedation is an option for your treatment?

Accepted Answer

Sedation works quickly and the dose can be adjusted so you get just the right amount.
It allows you to be completely relaxed during your treatment.
You will have little to no memory of your surgical procedure after your treatment is complete.
Recovery is quicker than after a general anaesthetic (GA), so you can usually go home within an hour or two of your treatment if you feel well.

Question 4

What can I do to prepare for a surgical procedure with IV sedation?

Accepted Answer

If you have people that you look after, for example children or older people, you   will need to plan for someone else to look after them until the day after the procedure.
THERE IS NO NEED TO FAST BEFORE YOUR SURGICAL PROCEDURE APPOINTMENT. Make sure you have eaten light breakfast or lunch.
A capable adult will need to take you home by car or taxi ideally approximately 90 mins after your appointment time. Please make sure this person is free of other commitment for 1-2 hours around your discharge time
Using public transport is not advised after sedation. You cannot drive for 24 hours after having IV Sedation.
If you are Asthmatic take your inhaler with you.
If you found out you are pregnant, and you are due to have IV Sedation, please contact your Oral Surgeon prior to surgical procedure appointment as your surgical treatment may have to be rearranged.
Wear comfortable clothing also flat shoes that are easy to put on.

Question 5

When can I go home after a procedure?

Accepted Answer

You can usually go home ideally approximately 90 mins after your appointment time.
As previously mentioned, a capable adult will need to take you home by car or taxi – ideally not public transport – and remain with you overnight.
Sedation may make you unsteady on your feet. Please be careful on stairs and have somebody with you if you feel unsteady.
Your ability to make decisions and judgements may be affected for up to 24 hours after your treatment, so you should not make any important decisions during that time. You should avoid posting on social media/public forums too.
You should not return to work, look after dependants, drive, cook or operate any machinery for 24 hours as it may take this length of time for the drugs to leave your body.
You should not take any alcohol or sleeping tablets for 24 hours after the procedure.

We will give you post-Operative instructions in writing with the contact telephone number to call if you feel unwell at home.

Question 6

What should I do following surgery?

Accepted Answer

Take rest for the next 5-7 days.  Time off work and no travel recommended
Soft diet e.g.: fish, pasta, mashed potato. You will not be able to eat steak or crusty bread or other hard things and for the first few days nothing too hot or too cold.
Painkillers: paracetamol 500mg two tablets and ibuprofen (Neurofen) 400mg one tablet four times per day for at least three to five days.  These are over the counter and are the best regime to be on but we might prescribe other painkillers, if required.
Use gauze packs supplied in case of bleeding. If bleeding is severe call one of the numbers given below.
Tooth brushing today but not around surgery site and then brushing and rinsing from 24 hours post op 3-4 times per day with warm salty mouthwash or Corsodyl or Kin mouthwash.
An icepack can be used for swelling from 24 hours post op.
Some swelling can be expected, especially for lower wisdom teeth which should resolve in 4-5 days.
If bleeding, pain or swelling seem excessive, then you should call 012241350 or 087-8563178. Text a headshot to the mobile number above, if swelling excessive with your name, and the name of oral surgeon.
We can provide you with a work certificate, so please ask.

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