Sedation Dental Treatment at Seaham Smiles

Sedation Dentistry in Seaham for Nervous Patients

What Is IV Sedation for Dental Treatment?

IV sedation — or intravenous sedation — is a safe and effective way to help patients feel deeply relaxed and anxiety-free during dental treatment. It involves administering a sedative medication through a small vein in your arm or hand, allowing you to remain conscious but calm, with little or no memory of the procedure afterwards.

It’s commonly used for longer appointments, complex treatments, or for patients with dental anxiety. Throughout the procedure, your vital signs are closely monitored by trained professionals to ensure your safety and comfort.

At Seaham Smiles, IV sedation is available for suitable patients and always delivered under the care of experienced clinicians in a fully equipped environment.

What Are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?

  • Reduces dental anxiety – ideal for nervous or phobic patients

  • Makes longer treatments easier to manage – e.g., dental implants, extractions

  • Memory suppression – many patients recall very little of the procedure

  • Comfortable, controlled experience – stay relaxed and at ease throughout

  • Improved patient cooperation – especially beneficial for complex treatments

What to expect before, during and after sedation

Before Your Appointment:

  • Eat a light meal 2 hours before your visit—then nothing further.
  • Wear comfortable clothes and a short-sleeved top.
  • Remove nail varnish (a finger probe will monitor oxygen levels).
  • Arrange for a responsible adult to accompany and stay with you for 24 hours. 

During Your Treatment:

  • We’ll place a blood pressure cuff and a finger monitor.
  • Dr Pearsall will insert a cannula and administer the sedation medication.
  • You’ll feel calm, drowsy, and relaxed, but always responsive.
  • We’ll also use a local anaesthetic to numb the area before starting treatment. 

After Your Appointment:

  • You’ll rest in our clinic until we’re confident you’ve recovered.
  • We’ll give your escort full aftercare instructions.
  • Expect to feel drowsy, rest at home and avoid work or major decisions for 24 hours.

Who is IV sedation suitable for?

We offer IV sedation for adult patients aged 18 to 70 who are:

  • Nervous or phobic about dental care
  • Undergoing complex or lengthy treatments
  • Medically suitable (determined at your pre-sedation consultation) 

Please note: sedation may not be suitable if you have conditions like severe heart or breathing problems, a BMI over 40, or sleep apnoea.

What should I avoid for 24 hours after sedation?

  • Do not drive or operate machinery
  • Do not drink alcohol
  • Avoid making important decisions (legal, financial, or personal)
  • Don’t cook, clean, or care for others; rest is essential
  • Ensure you’re supervised by a responsible adult overnight

Why choose Seaham Smiles for sedation dentistry?

At Seaham Smiles, we’re proud to offer gentle dental care tailored to your comfort. Whether you’re anxious about treatment or simply want a more relaxed experience for complex procedures, our experienced team, led by Dr Mark Pearsall, provides expert sedation in a warm, supportive environment. Our calm approach helps even the most nervous patients feel reassured from start to finish.

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