Enquire about Dental Sedation
Sedation Dentistry
Let us help you get over your fears
At Fulham Road Dental, we understand that for some people, a dental appointment comes with a little anxiety. We can help make these appointments comfortable for you with our intravenous sedation services.
Sedation is potentially an option for patients with any of the following:
- Fear of dental treatment
- Difficulty getting numb
- Very sensitive gag reflex
- Long complex dental appointments
Nervous Patients
Intravenous sedation is a simpler and safer procedure than hospital general anaesthetic. You will be accompanied by the treating dentist, the sedationist and a nurse, all of which have undergone comprehensive training.
You will be very relaxed but conscious and have little recollection of the procedure or ‘getting numb’. A chaperone will be required to accompany you home.
As part of your pre-treatment consultation, your dentist will provide you with a treatment plan to achieve dental health. You will subsequently meet our sedationist to assess your suitability for treatment.
Benefits of Oral Health
Do not let the worry of sedation procedures cloud your judgement on whether you need treatments or not. The benefits of maintaining good dental health are:
- Reduced risk of tooth decay
- Reduced risk of toothloss
- Reduced risk of gum disease
- Fresher breath
- Cleaner teeth
- A brighter, more attractive smile
Contact our Fulham dentist in South West London for any sedation treatments and advice.
Dental Sedation FAQs
What should you not do before dental sedation?
Before dental sedation, recollect those key factors:
- Only consume or drink something for some time before your appointment. This reduces the danger of complications at some point of sedation.
- Skip alcohol and smoking in advance. It can mess with how the sedation works and may cause problems.
- It’s vital to inform your dentist about all the medications you’re currently taking. Some medicines can interact negatively with sedatives, potentially leading to complications. Your dentist may advise you to stop taking certain medications before your appointment. Eat small meals before your appointment. Heavy ones may make you feel queasy at some point during the process.
- Arrange someone to drive you to and from your appointment if you’re getting sedated. Sedatives can make you dizzy, so it’s not safe to drive.
- Take it easy before your appointment. Avoid heavy exercise or something that causes your heart to race.
These tips will ensure your dental sedation goes smoothly and accurately.
Will I feel any pain?
You will feel almost nothing! We even numb the back of your hand prior to starting the IV.
How long will I be relaxing?
Depending on your needs, it takes from two to six hours. You may also rest for 3-4 hours when you get home.
How long does it take to recover from dental sedation?
The healing time from deep dental sedation can last between 12 to 24 hours before the outcomes wear off completely. Attending for at least 24 hours is recommended before resuming your routine. However, mild activity throughout this time can help restore blood flow and valuable resources quickly.
Will someone need to accompany me?
Yes, due to the medication’s sedative effects, you will need a responsible adult to drive you to our clinic and home again. You must not drive or operate any machinery until the day after your intravenous sedation.
Will I be monitored?
Yes, one of our team is always with you, and your vital signs are constantly monitored during the entire visit. You are never alone.
Will I really be totally relaxed?
Yes. You will receive just enough sedation so that you will be relaxed and unconcerned about the dental treatment.
What treatments can I have under sedation?
Any procedure that is usually done in our clinic can be done with sedation.
Is gentle dentistry using IV sedation safe for me?
We will review your medical history and potentially consult with your doctor. Our Sedationist and team have extra yearly training to ensure your safety and comfort.
How long will I be under Sedation?
The length of your appointment will depend upon the procedure being done. There will also be a recovery period after the procedure is finished.