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We can answer any question you may have. Please check out our frequently asked questions section. If you can't find an answer then please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is conscious sedation?
Conscious sedation refers to a medical technique where a patient receives a sedative drug to induce a state of relaxation and decreased awareness without completely losing consciousness. Its use allows patients to remain responsive and maintain certain protective reflexes, such as the ability to breathe on their own.
What happens during IV sedation?
Midazolam is a medication classified as a benzodiazepine. It is commonly used as a sedative, anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing), and hypnotic (sleep-inducing) agent. It is usually administered through a vein, usually in the arm or hand and has a rapid onset of action.
Once the sedation takes effect, the Oral Surgeon will begin the procedure. You will be sleepy but can talk and respond to verbal cues You may drift off to sleep at times, but will be easy to wake.
Throughout the procedure, your vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, are closely monitored to ensure safety. The Oral Surgeon can adjust the dosage of the sedative to maintain the desired level of sedation. The goal is to keep you comfortable and relaxed during the procedure.
What are the benefits if sedation is an option for your treatment?
- 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.
What can I do to prepare for a surgical procedure with IV sedation?
- 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.
When can I go home after a procedure?
- 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.
What should I do following surgery?
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.