What is intravenous conscious sedation?
Many people are anxious about having dental treatment. To make it easier, we can give you intravenous conscious sedation. This involves giving you medicine through a small plastic tube (cannula) in your hand or arm. The medicine will make you feel more relaxed and less nervous.
Who gives me the medicine to help me relax?
This is done by our highly experienced sedation-qualified dentist, whose job is to administer the medicine to keep you relaxed and continuously monitor you throughout the dental procedure.
Does it put me fully to sleep?
No, the medicines used do not put you fully to sleep. You are still awake, but drowsier and the aim is you will feel much more relaxed and calm.
What does it do?
As well as making you feel calm and relaxed, time may appear to pass more quickly, and some people remember very little of the treatment afterward (memory loss during the treatment cannot be guaranteed).
You will always be able to talk to the dentist or dental nurse to tell them how you are feeling.
What age must I be?
We offer sedation to adults aged 18 to 70. Unfortunately, we cannot offer sedation here to anyone outside this age range.
Do I need to bring anyone with me?
Yes, there needs to be a responsible adult with you at your sedation appointment, who must take you home in a car or a taxi after your sedation treatment is complete. You must not be left alone overnight.
Is intravenous conscious sedation suitable for everyone?
For most people yes, but not everyone.
People with certain medical conditions, for example severe breathing and heart issues, a BMI (body mass index) over a value of 40, or sleep apnoea, are not suitable for sedation in a dental practice environment.
Before any treatment with conscious sedation, there will be a separate face-to-face sedation assessment carried out by the sedation dentist prior to your dental treatment. This is to ensure you are medically suitable and it is safe to proceed.
Is intravenous conscious sedation only for nervous/anxious people?
No, it can also be used for longer and more invasive dental treatments, like implant placements and multiple tooth extractions, to help you manage the treatment in a more comfortable way.
What do I need to do before my dental treatment?
You must have a light meal 2 hours before your appointment, and nothing to eat or drink after this time.
We ask you to wear comfortable clothing and a short-sleeved top to allow a blood pressure cuff to be placed on your arm. Please also remove any nail varnish because a probe will be placed on your finger to monitor your oxygen levels throughout your treatment.
What will happen during my dental treatment?
Your dentist will explain the treatment and check that you’re ready. They will put the blood pressure cuff around your arm and oxygen level monitor on your finger.
The sedation dentist will put the cannula into your hand or arm, then give the medicine to relax you. They’ll wait until you are comfortable and happy before the treatment starts. The dentist will explain what they’re doing as they go along.
Does having conscious sedation mean I won’t need any injections in my mouth?
You will still need small injections of local anaesthetic to numb your mouth before your dental treatment. This will happen after you have had sedation medicine in your hand or arm to help you feel relaxed.
What will happen after my dental treatment?
When your treatment is finished, the team will monitor you to make sure you have recovered enough to go home. The responsible adult accompanying you will be told about the treatment and given any necessary instructions, as sometimes the sedation medicine means you may not remember all the information.
What should I do after my appointment for 24 hours?
Should you be interested in sedation for your dental treatment, get in touch with a member of the team today for a consultation. Click here to enquire.
To view the sedation fee’s, visit our price list by clicking here.
“I have recently had the pleasure, and yes it was a pleasure to go to…”
“Wow! I have just finished treatment at Seaham Smiles and experienced 1st class treatment from…”
“My crown came loose during lockdown and I managed to get an appointment to see…”
“6 years ago we joined Seaham Smiles. We were asked to leave our last practice…”
“Seen by Matt this morning. Very welcoming & made me feel at ease. Definitely recommend.…”
“I’ve been seeing Megan the new dentist at Seaham Smiles. I’m so happy with the…”
“I would like to thank Seaham Smiles so much for all the care and attention…”
“Thank you to Nigel and his wonderful staff who did dental work on my son…”
“Professional, understanding. help put you at ease. The team are friendly and very helpful.”
“My favourite dentist by far that I have ever been to and I would highly…”
“Fantastic dental clinic I'm eternally grateful for the care and support I have received. Would…”
“I just wanted to say a massive thank you to Seaham Smiles dental clinic for…”
“I would like to send a massive thank you to all the staff for helping…”
“Amazing service from Seaham Smiles today! Rob made me feel totally at ease (despite my…”
“A really helpful dental practice. Got an emergency appointment quickly due to pain and discomfort.…”
“1st time ive attended this dentist, the staff were brilliant, and to be honest I…”
“Excellent dental surgery and lovely staff. Would definitely recommend it.”
“I am extremely happy with the treatment I received at Seaham Smiles. Rob went above…”
“I wouldn't think of going anywhere else. Brilliant Dentist with great service.”
“I've been going here for quite a while and they all know how nervous I…”
“I hate the dentist always been terrified but Nigel is a good dentist and really…”
“Excellent staff and Nigel is a brilliant dentist.”
“Nigel is excellent. Got in for an emergency with a difficult teenager and he was…”
“Spot on best dentist by far made me so relaxed staff are excellent.”
“First class service and Nigel is a diamond and so are the friendly staff!! Highly…”
“Thank you all you are brilliant and keep the good work on my pallet denture…”
“I saw Matt who was absolutely brilliant. I had to have an extraction of a…”
“Dentist, Nigel put me at ease straight away and the staff are very friendly highly…”
“Want to say a massive thank you to all the staff, had to call for…”
“With my wedding coming up I didn't quite have 6 months for me braces but…”
